The unsettling horror game Horses has encountered a significant roadblock, facing bans from major digital storefronts. The game, developed by Santa Ragione, was set to make its debut across various platforms, but both Steam and the Epic Games Store have now refused to distribute it. This surprising development has left the developer grappling with uncertainty about the game’s future and the reasons behind these decisions.
Banned at the Last Minute
Soon after learning of its ban from Steam, Santa Ragione received news that the Epic Games Store would also not be carrying Horses. The announcement came just one day before the anticipated release, despite prior approval of the game’s build. The studio expressed frustration, noting that the reasons cited for the ban were vague and inaccurate, with appeals being swiftly rejected without further explanation.
Epic’s decision follows a wave of support Santa Ragione received after Steam’s ban, with competitors like GOG publicly backing the game. The studio remains puzzled about what prompted Epic’s sudden move, suspecting that the heightened visibility of Horses online played a significant role.
Sources have stated that they have reached out for comment from Epic Games but have not yet received a response. As it stands, Horses remains listed as “Coming Soon” on the Epic Games Store, leaving fans and developers in suspense.
An Unsettling Experience
Horses first caught attention several years ago with its appearances at events such as The Indie Horror Showcase and Day of the Devs. The game is known for its dark and disturbing premise, where a young man discovers that the “horses” on a remote farm are actually humans with horse masks. Intended to provoke thought about moral horrors, it offers a candid critique of societal complacency. Despite the controversy, the game is available on platforms like itch.io, GOG, and Humble, which continue to support it.
Previously, Santa Ragione faced a Steam rejection after submitting an early build of Horses, which Valve claimed violated their content guidelines. The developer adjusted contentious scenes, ensuring all characters in the final version are adults, but this did not mitigate the decision. Valve stated that internal discussions about a re-review concluded with a decision not to proceed.
Where to Find Horses Now
Despite these challenges, Horses has found a home on smaller platforms. GOG, which has publicly supported the game, along with Humble and itch.io, are now offering Horses to players, standing firm on the belief that audiences should have the freedom to choose their experiences.