Independent game developer Santa Ragione is facing difficult times due to its ambitious horror game “Horses.” The Steam game ban, imposed by the world’s largest digital game store, has completely jeopardized the studio’s future. The team is at risk of closure due to the game’s inability to reach the largest market.

The Steam game ban sparked controversy

Valve has indefinitely removed the game from the platform due to suspicions of “sexual activity involving a minor.” The game is set on a farm where naked people (wearing masks) assume the role of “horses.” The developer maintained that an early version shipped in 2023 included a scene in which a young girl rides a “human horse,” but that this had no sexual overtones.

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The studio, despite replacing the child in the controversial scene with a female character in her 20s, was unsuccessful. The platform’s management stated that the game would never be accepted “even if modifications were made,” as required by the rules. Unfortunately, the two-year appeal process was ultimately ruled against the studio.

The game, which spent approximately $100,000 on development, will be available on alternative platforms like the Epic Games Store and GOG on December 2nd. However, studio founder Pietro Righi Riva stated that covering costs without Steam would be nearly impossible. Riva states that unless a miracle happens, the studio’s closure is inevitable.

So, what are your thoughts on Valve’s strict Steam game ban policy? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!