Santa Ragione’s latest horror title, Horses, has been embroiled in controversy, finding itself banned from both Steam and Epic Games Store just before its planned release. This unexpected turn of events has left many questioning the policies and decision-making processes of these major digital platforms.
Steam and Epic’s Surprising Bans
Horses was set to debut alongside its releases on GOG, Humble, and Itch.io on December 2, 2025. However, Steam’s decision to ban the game was based on an early version, with vague reasoning preventing Santa Ragione from addressing specific issues. Following suit but adding its own twist, Epic Games Store prohibited Horses just 24 hours before its scheduled launch. Reports suggest Epic cited violations of their Content Guidelines, specifically mentioning ‘Inappropriate Content’ and ‘Hateful or Abusive Content’.
Content Misunderstandings and Developer Frustrations
Epic further explained its stance, stating that an IARC Questionnaire review resulted in an Adult Only (AO) rating, thus disallowing distribution. Santa Ragione, however, contends that the game does not contain explicit or frequent depictions of sexual behavior, and all nudity is pixelated. The studio asserts that the game critiques violence and abuse, rather than promoting it. Despite these claims, Epic did not provide specific examples of offending content, leaving Santa Ragione with no clear path to compliance.
The developer had received prior approvals from Epic, only to face an inexplicable, last-minute rejection. Santa Ragione’s appeals were met with automated responses, leaving the future of Horses uncertain.
Broader Implications for Indie Developers
This situation highlights the broader challenges indie developers face when navigating the complex content approval processes of major game platforms. Earlier this year, Steam faced backlash for allowing a game that promoted explicit abuse, which puts into stark relief the inconsistency in content regulation. The disparity between how different games are treated raises questions about the fairness and transparency of these platforms’ policies.
By preventing a game that seeks to engage critically with serious themes from reaching its audience, there is a risk of stifling creative expressions in the gaming industry. The future remains uncertain for Santa Ragione, as this ban could have significant financial repercussions, potentially marking the end of an era for the indie developer.