Santa Ragione, an indie studio from Italy, faces critical challenges after Valve banned its upcoming game “Horses” from Steam. The release is still set for 2023-12-02.
Game Details and Release
“Horses” is a first-person horror adventure tackling themes of familial trauma, puritan values, and totalitarian power, using imagery of humans in horse masks treated as livestock. It will be available for $5 on various platforms.
The game has garnered honors at IndieCade, Day of the Devs, and SXSW Sydney, and was showcased at SFMOMA.
Steam Ban and Studio's Response
In June 2023, Valve informed Santa Ragione that “Horses” would not appear on Steam due to perceived depictions of sexual conduct involving a minor, citing policy violations. Santa Ragione disputes Valve's interpretation, claiming there is no content in that vein.
The studio suggests Valve's decision may have been influenced by an incomplete scene earlier seen during the development phase, now altered with no portrayal of underage characters. All characters are noted to be clearly over 20 years old.
Market Impact and Future Prospects
Losing access to Steam, which holds over 75% of PC game market share, poses a significant threat to Santa Ragione's viability. This ban has impeded their ability to secure a publisher and endangers the studio's continuation post-launch.
While Epic Games Store raised issues over nudity in the game, Santa Ragione accommodated the concern by censoring the images. Valve has not responded publicly to the situation, though inquiries have been made.
