In a surprising turn of events, Twitch streamer Northernlion shattered his average viewership records by engaging in a game recommended by his chat. The title that fueled this surge in popularity is none other than Umamusume: Pretty Derby, an anime-style racing game featuring horse girls. This unexpected twist has caught the attention of many viewers and fellow streamers alike.
For days leading up to his stream, Northernlion’s chat persistently urged him to try out Umamusume. Relinquishing to their enthusiasm, he finally decided to play, resulting in a massive influx of viewers. The excitement surrounding his gameplay rapidly spread across social media platforms like Twitter, further amplifying his audience.
Northernlion will play Umamusume (real) ᵃⁿᵈ ᴵ ʰᵒᵖᵉ ʰᵉ ᵗʳᵃᶦⁿˢ ᴳᵒˡᵈ ˢʰᶦᵖ #umamusume https://t.co/vu7xyaQgiM pic.twitter.com/rYwe3KhtLV
— Pkoi (@ArtPkoi) July 2, 2025
Incredibly, during certain moments in his recent streams, Northernlion commanded an astounding 94% of the total viewership for Umamusume on Twitch, proving that even a middle-aged male streamer can captivate an audience in a game centered around anime horse girls. It’s a phenomenon he humorously acknowledges while navigating the narrative of the game.
The Joy of Living Behind Umamusume
For those unfamiliar, what exactly is Umamusume? At first glance, the game may lack traditional gameplay elements; however, it offers a uniquely engaging experience. Players are tasked with training a selection of horse girls through various social and training events to enhance their statistical performance, culminating in exciting races where the results unfold in real-time.
Although the gameplay loop seems straightforward, mastering the training mechanics can be quite intricate, with players often developing a profound emotional investment in their character’s success, particularly in the URA Finale events at the campaign’s conclusion.
This captivating loop has attracted players even beyond the primary target demographic, showcasing its universal appeal and ability to engage various audiences.
northernlion is getting the full umamusume experience and it’s beautiful pic.twitter.com/UaBaSrQurA
— SVA Social Bun – Puns 🐰💾💖 (@sockspuns) July 2, 2025
A combination of enthusiastic viewer engagement and Northernlion’s enjoyment of the game has ignited a perfect storm, propelling him to the forefront of Umamusume streamers. On July 2, his stream witnessed a peak audience of 31, 000 viewers, marking the second highest viewership he has achieved throughout his years on Twitch. His time spent streaming Umamusume more than doubled his usual viewership, confirming his status as the leading streamer for the game during its peak.
At age 36, Northernlion’s success showcases that the game’s appeal can transcend its typical audience, which often skews younger. This phenomenon is echoed by other streamers, such as Premier Two (aka Pete), who, despite being in his 40s, also finds great success with viral clips from Umamusume.
THIS GAME IS SO PEAK pic.twitter.com/YFgqcbB9w4
— Peter (premier two) (@premier_two) July 2, 2025
While gacha games like Umamusume typically target a younger audience, the universal nature of a well-crafted game ensures that enjoyment can be found by anyone, regardless of age. The game’s prior limited availability in select regions was transformed into excitement when it became globally accessible on June 24, coinciding with major promotional efforts, including sponsorships for prestigious events like the 151st Kentucky Derby, where Umamusume made its U. S.debut.
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