Indie horror game HORSES, developed by the Italian team at Santa Ragione, has faced a significant setback as its release on Steam has been denied. This development has raised concerns among the developers about the potential viability of their studio.
Game Overview
HORSES spans approximately three hours and presents a unique narrative journey. Players are immersed in the story of a young man who takes on a summer job at a peculiar farm, tasked with caring for what initially seem to be horses. However, the chilling twist reveals that these are actually adult humans donning horse head masks.
Brimming with themes of power, faith, and violence, the game employs grotesque and subversive imagery, making it a provocative entry in the horror genre.
Development Journey and Steam Ban
Despite the game’s anticipated release on December 2, the developers have invested about $100, 000 over several years in its development. Initially submitted to Steam in June 2023, the game was promptly met with a rejection—or what the developers reference as a flat-out ban.
Developer Pietro Righi Riva has expressed frustration at the lack of specific feedback from Steam regarding the game’s content, stating, “We asked for clarifications and a path to compliance, but we were directed to Steam’s general guidelines.” Multiple requests for review and appeal have been consistently denied.
Alternative Platforms and Issues
Interestingly, other platforms like GOG and the Humble Store have shown no issues with the game. Meanwhile, Epic Games Store requested that the developers adjust featured images to eliminate nudity, to which they complied swiftly.
Despite their proactive attempts to meet Steam’s requirements—offering to modify any content deemed inappropriate—the developers have faced a persistent lack of clarity from the platform, resulting in their game being barred from one of the largest PC gaming outlets.
Implications for Santa Ragione
HORSES is undeniably not for the faint-hearted, as its content challenges conventional boundaries. Riva articulated a poignant stance on artistic expression, stating, “Games are an artistic medium, and lawful works for adults should remain accessible. We respect players enough to present the game as intended and to let adults choose what to play.” He emphasized the need for adult-oriented content to not be restricted by the “opaque decisions”of a monopolistic distributor.
Future of the Studio
With the significant financial commitment made in developing HORSES, the uncertainty surrounding its absence from Steam has led to palpable distress among the studio’s team. To achieve break-even status, they estimate the necessity to sell “tens of thousands of copies” outside of Steam.
As the game continues to face hurdles in securing a release on major platforms, the implications for Santa Ragione’s future remain daunting.
Related Articles:
Microsoft CEO Acknowledges ‘Work to Do’ to Regain Xbox and Windows Fans After Recent Changes
18:12
Roblox Introduces Stunning Photorealistic Graphics in Major Visual Overhaul
15:13
45-Year-Old Man Sneaks into Best Buy Overnight for Early Pokémon Card Release
14:41
Leave a Reply