Full Breakdown
Santa Ragione Faces Closure After Steam Ban on 'Horses'
11/26/2025, 12:35:39 AM
Overview of the Situation
Italian indie game studio Santa Ragione is confronting potential closure following Valve's decision to ban its upcoming horror title, *Horses*, from the Steam platform. Scheduled for release on December 2, 2025, *Horses* will be available on alternative platforms such as the Epic Games Store, GOG, Itch.io, and Humble Store for $4.99. However, the studio claims that without access to Steam, which accounts for over 75% of PC game sales, recouping development costs will be nearly impossible.
Reasons for the Ban
Valve's rejection of *Horses* was communicated in June 2023, citing concerns that the game features "themes, imagery, or descriptions" that depict sexual conduct involving a minor. Santa Ragione asserts that the ban was based on an incomplete scene, which has since been modified, and emphasizes that the game does not include any characters that could be mistaken for minors. The studio has criticized Valve for its lack of transparency, stating that the decision feels arbitrary and lacks clear guidelines for compliance.
Impact on Santa Ragione
Co-founder Pietro Righi Riva expressed profound disappointment, stating that the ban has left the studio in a precarious financial situation. The studio invested approximately $100,000 into *Horses*, with half of that amount sourced from personal donations. Riva described the experience as "scary, humiliating, and patronizing," highlighting the emotional toll on the team, particularly on director Andrea Lucco Borlera, who felt a deep personal connection to the project.
Criticism of Valve's Policies
Santa Ragione has openly criticized Valve's opaque policies, arguing that they stifle creativity and push developers toward self-censorship. The studio contends that the ban represents a form of "moralizing censorship," asserting that lawful works for adults should remain accessible. Riva noted that the lack of clear communication from Valve has made it difficult for the studio to navigate the approval process, leading to a sense of betrayal after years of collaboration with the platform.
Official Statements & Responses
In a press release, Santa Ragione stated, "We respect players enough to present the game as intended and to let adults choose what to play; lawful works should not be made unreachable by a monopolistic storefront’s opaque decisions." The studio has attempted to appeal the ban multiple times but has received no substantial feedback from Valve regarding specific content concerns.
What's Next for Santa Ragione?
With the impending release of *Horses*, Santa Ragione has set aside funds for six months of post-launch support. However, the studio anticipates winding down operations shortly after the game's release, with closure likely unless the title performs exceptionally well on alternative platforms. Riva remains cautiously optimistic but acknowledges the grim outlook, stating, "If things go the way that I expect them to go, then I think [studio's closure] is inevitable."
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Santa Ragione and *Horses* underscores the challenges faced by indie developers in an industry dominated by major platforms like Steam. As the studio prepares for its game launch, the broader implications of Valve's censorship policies continue to raise questions about artistic freedom and the future of independent game development.
