The inaugural American concert for Cygames' popular mobile game Umamusume Pretty Derby was abruptly canceled just a week before its scheduled date due to difficulties securing necessary performer visas. In response, a significant number of the game's dedicated fanbase, known as Pretty Derby die-hards, organized alternative gatherings. One notable event saw fans descending upon Knott's Berry Farm's Old West Ghost Town.
Instead of attending the concert, fans gathered at the theme park, bringing along merchandise and plush toys of their favorite characters. The unexpected influx of attendees led to an unprecedented day for the park's blacksmith. According to one fan in attendance, the horseshoe blacksmith at Knott's Berry Farm experienced the busiest day of his career, with his queue for the day filling up entirely.
Fans requested custom horseshoes branded with the names of their favorite Umamusume characters. The franchise, which features anthropomorphized girls based on real-world racehorses, has cultivated a devoted following. While the horseshoes might seem an unusual request for characters without hooves, the fans' enthusiasm underscored the strong community built around the game.
Cygames attempted to mitigate the disappointment caused by the cancellation. The publisher announced that they would compensate attendees for booked airfare and hotel accommodations, in addition to refunding concert tickets. The visa issues reportedly stemmed from recent changes in visa application policies affecting musicians and voice actors.
The blacksmith at Knott's Berry Farm, a long-standing tradition in the park's Ghost Town since 1947, typically forges iron and educates visitors about frontier history. This past weekend, however, the fixture became the unexpected focal point for a community that refused to let a cancelled event dampen their spirits, creating a unique and memorable experience for both the fans and the blacksmith.
