Controversial Horror Game “horses” Finds Audience Amid Studio Closure

Despite being banned from Steam and facing significant challenges, the surrealist horror game Horses has sold an impressive 18,000 copies across various platforms, generating around $65,000 in revenue. Developed by the Italian studio Santa Ragione, the game launched on storefronts like GOG, Itch.io, and Humble, allowing it to reach a dedicated audience who appreciated its bold themes of repression and trauma. However, this success has not been enough to keep the studio afloat, leading them to announce a suspension of operations in search of alternative employment.

The Fallout from Steam’s Ban

Initially rejected by Steam in June 2023, Horses faced scrutiny over its depiction of sensitive themes. Valve cited concerns regarding “sexual conduct involving a minor,” which led Santa Ragione to modify character designs to ensure all characters appeared over 20 years old. Despite these efforts, the game remained unlisted on Steam, forcing the developers to pivot and focus on smaller storefronts, which, while helpful, lacked the long-term revenue potential Steam offers through its extensive promotional sales and bundling opportunities. This left Santa Ragione scrambling for funds, having borrowed approximately $50,000 to complete the game.

A Silver Lining Amid Closure

While the sales figures are a testament to the game’s unique artistic vision, they do not provide enough financial stability for Santa Ragione to continue operations. The developers expressed gratitude to their supporters, stating, “Paying our debts is a success, and we are relieved.” Yet, they acknowledged that these funds primarily cover their obligations and do not enable further development of new titles. As they explore other job opportunities, the possibility of reuniting as a team in the future feels uncertain.

Santa Ragione’s situation highlights the broader issue of content moderation across major gaming platforms. Their experience with Horses raises questions about transparency and fairness in the industry, particularly for indie developers tackling provocative content. According to the studio, this case exemplifies the need for clearer guidelines and accountability from powerful distribution platforms, emphasizing that many games remain stuck in limbo due to vague moderation policies.