The Controversy Surrounding the Game ‘Horses’
‘Horses’, a first-person narrative horror game, was embroiled in controversy when it was unexpectedly banned from the Epic Games Store mere hours before its launch on December 2nd. This ban was followed by a swift action from the Humble Store, which also decided to remove the game just one day after its release. The developers at Santa Ragione, known for their critically acclaimed game ‘Saturnalia’, expressed their shock at the sudden decisions by these platforms, especially after ‘Horses’ had been previously banned from Steam two years ago.
The Reason Behind the Bans
Both Valve and Epic Games cited violations of their sexual content policies as the rationale behind banning ‘Horses’. The Humble Store has yet to provide a specific reason for its decision, despite allowing the game for several hours post-launch. The developers allege that neither Epic nor Valve offered clear explanations regarding what specific content was offensive in their game. This lack of clarity has placed Santa Ragione in a precarious situation, threatening the studio’s future.
A Long Road to Release
The struggles began two years prior, when ‘Horses’ was denied entry to Steam without an explanation during the review process. As outlined in a detailed FAQ, the developers reported that Steam’s policies allowed for bans without detailed justifications. In their case, the only feedback received was that the game could not be legally distributed, without further clarification.
Content Concerns and Clarifications
In an interview with IGN, Pietro Righi Riva from Santa Ragione speculated that a particular scene involving a man and his daughter at a ranch, where the “horses” are humans in horse masks, may have triggered the bans. Initially, the scene included a naked adult woman, but the developers later modified the character to avoid objectionable content. Riva emphasized that the dialogue does not carry any sexual implications but is meant to explore societal themes within the game.
Financial Ramifications
The fallout from the bans placed Santa Ragione in dire financial straits, completely hindering their ability to find a supportive publisher. Their FAQ notes that “no one in the industry considers an indie game that cannot be released on Steam to be viable.” Although support from personal investments allowed them to continue, the studio warns that without significant success from ‘Horses’, their future remains uncertain.
Availability on Other Platforms
Despite the chaos surrounding the Steam ban, Santa Ragione has launched ‘Horses’ on several alternative storefronts, like Itch.io, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. GOG proudly welcomed ‘Horses’, emphasizing player empowerment in selecting diverse gaming experiences. However, Humble’s quick decision to ban the game soon after its launch raised further questions about platform discretion and content policies.
Understanding the Content Policies
Epic Games refrained from detailing the reasons behind its ban, referencing content policies that restrict the distribution of games deemed inappropriate or abusive. Santa Ragione pointed out that ‘Horses’ actually received a mature rating (17+) from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which creates a conflicting narrative surrounding the bans. The studio suspects that an opaque policy may be at play, allowing Steam and Epic to adjust decisions based on public perception.
The Future of ‘Horses’
Despite the setbacks, ‘Horses’ has garnered a mix of reviews, primarily positive since its release on smaller platforms. Nonetheless, the significant power that larger storefronts wield over indie games means that even a good reception may not be enough to ensure the survival of Santa Ragione. The combination of the Steam ban and the financial obligations to investors leaves the studio in a precarious position, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by indie developers in navigating a complicated landscape of content guidelines and commercial viability.
