Santa Ragione, the acclaimed Italian indie game studio behind hits like Saturnalia and Mediterranea Inferno, is preparing to launch its much-anticipated new game, Horses. However, this release might mark the studio’s swan song due to a significant setback. Valve’s Steam platform has banned the game, forcing Santa Ragione to release Horses exclusively on other platforms such as the Epic Games Store, GOG, the Humble Store, and Itch.io. This decision has placed the studio’s future in jeopardy.
The Steam Ban Controversy
Santa Ragione’s co-founder, Pietro Righi Riva, revealed that despite their intentions to distribute Horses on Steam, the game was banned due to its content. According to reports, an automated message from Steam cited concerns over themes, imagery, or descriptions perceived to depict sexual conduct involving a minor. Although the studio claims there are no such depictions, the rejection stands firm. Horses may be Santa Ragione’s last game as Steam’s ban deals a hefty blow to its potential success.
Valve’s Silence and Submission Challenges
Valve has remained silent, providing no specific details about the scenes in question. Righi Riva shared that Valve requested a full build of the game during the approval process, which was uncommon and problematic since the game was incomplete at that time. A particular scene with a man and his daughter visiting a farm was altered to avoid misunderstandings, now featuring an adult woman to better fit the narrative and avoid triggering content flags.
Uncertain Future of Santa Ragione
The permanent nature of the ban leaves Santa Ragione in a precarious position. Without revenue from Steam, the studio may struggle to cover development costs. Righi Riva expressed doubts about the studio’s longevity, suggesting closure is likely if Horses doesn’t become a success on other platforms. “If this is our final game,” Riva said, “I hope those who connected with it find solace in its standalone impact.”
Horses is set to release on December 2, 2025, and its performance will ultimately decide the fate of Santa Ragione.