Epic Games Store Also Bans Previously Barred Horror Game ‘Horses’
Santa Ragione’s disturbing horror game, entitled *Horses*, has faced significant issues with distribution on two major gaming platforms. Recently, Epic Games Store banned the game just 24 hours prior to its scheduled release, following a similar action taken by Steam the previous week. Both platforms cited violations of their respective content guidelines as the cause for the bans.
Epic Games Store’s Ban on *Horses*
In a press release, Santa Ragione revealed that Epic informed them about the ban despite approving the game for release weeks earlier. Epic’s representatives stated that the game violated their ‘Inappropriate Content’ and ‘Hateful or Abusive Content’ policies. The game had been rated ‘Adult Only’ (AO) based on a review, which is a disqualifying factor for distribution on the Epic Games Store.
Content Guidelines Violations
- Inappropriate Content: This prohibits explicit or frequent depictions of sexual behavior.
- Hateful or Abusive Content: This bans content that promotes abuse or animal abuse.
Epic’s communication also offered Santa Ragione options, including the ability to update the product for compliance or appeal the decision. However, when the studio appealed, they received a denial within 12 hours without further explanation.
Developer’s Position
Santa Ragione has stated that their own submission for the IARC Questionnaire resulted in a ‘M’ for ‘Mature’ rating, rather than the AO rating claimed by Epic. This discrepancy raises questions about the decisions made by both platforms.
The developer expressed surprise at Epic’s decision, especially given the support obtained after Steam’s ban, including public backing from competitor GOG. The visibility of *Horses* online has led to a surge of interest, which may have influenced Epic’s stance.
Background of *Horses*
*Horses* features a deeply unsettling premise. Players take on the role of a young man working on a remote horse farm, only to uncover that the “horses” are actually humans in horse masks. The game is intended as a commentary on moral horrors that society accepts.
Availability of *Horses*
Despite bans from both Steam and Epic Games Store, *Horses* remains available on other platforms, including itch.io and GOG. However, Santa Ragione indicated that the lack of distribution through Steam could severely impact the studio’s future.
As the situation evolves, developers and gamers alike are closely watching how content guidelines affect independent games like *Horses* in the rapidly changing landscape of video game distribution.
