Recently, the indie horror game Horses has made headlines after being banned from both Steam and the Epic Games Store. This quirky title features unusual design choices, including naked characters wearing horse masks. While it may sound absurd, this situation raises important questions about content moderation in gaming. Let’s dive into the reasons behind the bans and what this means for indie developers.
Santa Ragione, the developer behind Horses, is known for their unique take on indie games. They have always pushed creative boundaries, but it’s shocking to see their work face such stringent restrictions. It highlights a paradox in gaming: games that may seem innocuous can be deemed inappropriate without clear explanations.
1. Why Was Horses Banned?
The bans were primarily due to “mature content” issues, though neither platform specified the exact nature of the content violations. Epic Games cited violations related to “Inappropriate” and “Hateful or Abusive Content.” It leads to speculation—does it include elements too extreme for a general audience? While Horses incorporates nudity and anthropomorphized themes, it doesn’t promote hate or sexual acts, which makes the decision puzzling.
2. What Do Other Platforms Say?
Interestingly, Steam has become a host for numerous adult-themed games over the years, raising eyebrows about its content policies. Initially, it seems more reasonable for Epic to impose a ban; this is the same company behind family-friendly titles like Fortnite, where innocent graphics mask a violent battle royale.
3. Is Horses Actually Inappropriate?
Despite receiving IARC and PEGI ratings of 18, indicating mature content, both Epic and Steam have asserted their decisions decisively. Epic specifically laid down the law by stating they don’t distribute products with “AO” ratings unless it pertains to blockchain technology.
4. What Are Players Saying?
Even before its release, Horses garnered attention from gamers and critics alike. Many reviewers noted it as an excellent game, deserving of a fair chance in the market. This game’s absurd elements might be off-putting to some, but surely not enough to warrant an outright ban.
5. Where Can You Play Horses Now?
For those still eager to experience this unconventional title, Horses is available on platforms like GOG and Itch.io for about $4.99 (approximately €4.75). This ongoing ban saga serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of digital storefronts and their impact on indie developers.
Will Horses eventually find its footing in the gaming community, despite the restrictions? Only time will tell. Indie developers like Santa Ragione continue to challenge norms, and it’s vital that their creativity is encouraged rather than stifled.
What does the ban of Horses mean for the future of indie games?
This serves as a potent reminder of how subjective content moderation can be, especially when dealing with unconventional themes. Developers may need to navigate these waters carefully to ensure their games reach the audience they deserve.
How can I find out more about the game’s content ratings?
Game ratings like IARC, PEGI, and ESRB are easily accessible online and provide insights into the age appropriateness of the games players are interested in. Always check these ratings when exploring new titles.
Where can I keep up with updates about Horses and similar indie games?
Following indie developers on social media or visiting their official websites can keep players in the loop about upcoming titles and news, including any changes related to bans.
If you’re intrigued by the latest controversies surrounding indie gaming, consider exploring more stories like this one. For ongoing updates and insights, check out Moyens I/O.