Controversial Horror Game Horses Faces Bans on Steam and Epic Games Store: Developer Santa Ragione Seeks Clarity
A horror game called Horses has recently been banned from both Steam and Epic Games Store. The developer, Santa Ragione, received notice from Epic Games Store just 24 hours before the game's release that it would not be distributed due to unspecified content violations. Despite the studio's appeal, the ban was upheld without further explanation. Horses, known for its unsettling premise involving enslaved humans with horse masks, has faced scrutiny for its disturbing themes. The game is still listed as "Coming Soon" on the Epic Games Store, and Santa Ragione is awaiting further clarification on the ban.
Horses, a game that explores morally horrifying themes, has faced bans from both Steam and Epic Games Store. The rejection from Steam was reportedly due to a scene involving a child, which Santa Ragione has since altered to feature an adult. Despite these changes, Valve did not allow the game to be resubmitted for review. The game is now available on itch.io, GOG, and Humble, with support from the latter two platforms. The developer remains uncertain about the specific reasons for the bans and is seeking further clarification from the platforms.
The ban of Horses from both Steam and Epic Games Store has raised questions about content guidelines and censorship in the gaming industry. Santa Ragione's experience with the bans highlights the challenges faced by developers in navigating platform regulations. As the game finds alternative distribution channels, the debate over artistic expression and content restrictions continues to be a topic of discussion within the gaming community.