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Controversial Horror Game 'Horses' Banned from Steam and Epic Games Store
6 months agoUS
The indie horror game *Horses*, developed by Santa Ragione, has faced a series of bans from major PC game storefronts, including Steam and the Epic Games Store. The game's unsettling themes and imagery have led to content policy violations, putting the studio's future at risk. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between indie developers, content policies, and creative expression in the gaming industry.
Key Insights
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*Horses* was initially banned from Steam due to concerns over depictions of sexual conduct involving a minor, a claim the studio denies.
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Epic Games Store banned the game shortly before its release, citing violations of 'Inappropriate Content' and 'Hateful or Abusive Content' policies.
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Humble initially delisted *Horses* but later relisted it after a review, determining that the content, while heavy, didn't warrant removal.
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The bans have placed Santa Ragione in a precarious financial situation, potentially leading to studio closure if the game doesn't recoup development costs.
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GOG has expressed support for *Horses*, offering it a home on their platform.
Why this matters: The *Horses* controversy underscores the challenges indie developers face when navigating the content policies of major distribution platforms. The lack of clear communication and appeal processes can have severe financial repercussions for small studios.
In-Depth Analysis
Background
*Horses* is a first-person horror adventure that explores themes of familial trauma, puritan values, totalitarian power dynamics, and personal responsibility. The game features grotesque imagery, including nude humans in horse masks treated as livestock.
Content Concerns
Steam's initial rejection in 2023 stemmed from a scene involving a child 'riding' one of the horses (humans in masks). Santa Ragione has since altered the scene to feature an adult character. Epic Games Store cited broader content guideline violations without specifying the exact issues.
Platform Responses
Valve stated they provided feedback to Santa Ragione regarding the reasons for the ban, but the studio claims the reasoning was vague and unfounded. Epic Games Store's decision appears to have been influenced by the increased attention the game received after the Steam ban. GOG has publicly supported the game, while Humble initially delisted before relisting.
Impact on Santa Ragione
The bans have significantly impacted Santa Ragione's ability to secure funding and find a publisher. The studio faces potential closure if *Horses* does not achieve commercial success. The situation raises questions about the power of storefronts to censor artistic expression and the need for clearer content policies and appeal processes.
Where to Buy
Despite the controversy, *Horses* is available on Humble?ref=yanuki.com, itch.io?ref=yanuki.com, and GOG?ref=yanuki.com.
FAQs
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Q: What is *Horses* about?
*Horses* is a first-person horror game where you play as a farmhand at a ranch where the 'horses' are humans wearing horse masks.
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Q: Why was *Horses* banned from Steam?
Steam cited concerns about depictions of sexual conduct involving a minor, which Santa Ragione disputes.
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Q: Why was *Horses* banned from the Epic Games Store?
Epic Games Store cited violations of 'Inappropriate Content' and 'Hateful or Abusive Content' policies, without providing specific details.
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Q: Where can I buy *Horses*?
*Horses* is currently available on Humble, itch.io, and GOG.
Key Takeaways
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The *Horses* controversy highlights the challenges indie developers face in navigating content policies of major storefronts.
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The lack of clear communication and appeal processes can have significant financial consequences for small studios.
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Despite the bans, *Horses* is still available for purchase on alternative platforms, offering players the opportunity to experience the game.
Discussion
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