Epic Games has prohibited the release of the indie horror game Horses on its platform due to alleged policy violations. The ban was communicated to the publisher, Santa Ragione, one day before the planned launch, impacting distribution efforts.
Policy Compliance Issues
Epic Games notified Santa Ragione on 2023-12-01 regarding policy violations without providing detailed reasons. The publisher reports that the game's content is censored, with brief and pixelated nudity sequences. Despite previously granting approval for the game, Epic reversed its decision shortly before release.
Santa Ragione disputes the violations cited, noting that the European and North American gaming authorities PEGI and ESRB rated the game with mature ratings, PEGI 18 and ESRB M, indicating content meant for adults.
Alternative Distribution Channels
The rejection has led Santa Ragione to offer Horses through other outlets. The game is still accessible via Humble, which now provides DRM-free downloads, sidestepping Epic's storefront entirely. This situation illustrates the ongoing tensions between creators and digital platforms over content policies.
Steam had earlier declined to list the title, further complicating distribution avenues. Nonetheless, Horses remains available to those seeking it outside major digital game storefronts.
