Full Breakdown
Epic Games Store Bans Controversial Horror Game 'Horses'
12/5/2025, 5:43:22 PM
Last-Minute Ban from Epic Games Store
The indie horror game *Horses*, developed by Santa Ragione, faced a last-minute ban from the Epic Games Store just 24 hours before its scheduled release. This decision followed a similar ban from Steam, which had occurred the previous week. Santa Ragione reported that both platforms provided vague reasons for their actions, with Epic citing violations of its content guidelines, specifically regarding 'Inappropriate Content' and 'Hateful or Abusive Content.' The studio claimed that no specific details were given about the content in question, only broad assertions that the game violated the guidelines.
Content Guidelines and Ratings
Epic's content guidelines prohibit explicit depictions of sexual behavior and content that promotes abuse, including animal abuse. The game received an Adult Only (AO) rating during Epic's review, which disqualifies it from distribution on the platform, except in cases involving blockchain or NFT technology. In response to the ban, Epic offered Santa Ragione options to either modify the game for compliance or appeal the decision.
Increased Visibility and Support
The ban from Steam had previously garnered significant media attention, leading to increased visibility for *Horses*. Following Steam's decision, GOG, a competitor to both Steam and Epic, publicly announced its support for the game. This surge in attention raised questions about whether it influenced Epic's sudden reversal, although the company has not confirmed this speculation. Santa Ragione's own IARC questionnaire rated *Horses* as Mature (M), contrasting with Epic's AO rating.
Availability on Other Platforms
Despite the bans from Steam and Epic, *Horses* remains available on other platforms, including itch.io and GOG, where it has reportedly become one of the best-selling games. The game was temporarily unavailable on the Humble Store but has since been reinstated. The controversy surrounding the bans has arguably increased interest in the game, leading to its success on alternative storefronts.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the bans argue that the decisions reflect a lack of transparency and inconsistency in content moderation practices among digital storefronts. Santa Ragione has expressed frustration over the vague nature of the bans and the implications for indie developers navigating content guidelines. The studio's claims highlight a broader concern regarding censorship and the challenges faced by creators of controversial content.
Official Statements from Epic Games
An Epic Games spokesperson stated, "We set clear guidelines for the content that can be distributed on the Epic Games Store and found violations of those guidelines during our extensive review." This statement underscores the company's commitment to enforcing its content policies, even amid public scrutiny.
Conclusion
The bans of *Horses* from both Steam and the Epic Games Store illustrate the complexities of content moderation in the gaming industry. As the game continues to thrive on alternative platforms, it raises important questions about the balance between creative expression and community standards in digital marketplaces.
