The mobile game development industry has been rocked by a controversy surrounding the indie game "Horses", which has been banned from multiple storefronts due to its alleged inappropriate content. The game, developed by Santa Ragione, was initially rejected by Steam and later banned from the Epic Games Store without clear explanations.
A Shocking Banning
In December, just hours before its scheduled launch on the Epic Games Store, "Horses" was suddenly removed from the platform. This decision came as a shock to the developers at Santa Ragione, who had previously found success with their critically acclaimed game Saturnalia. The ban also affected the Humble store, which temporarily removed the game from its shelves.
A Blurred Line Between Art and Censorship
The controversy surrounding "Horses" has sparked a heated debate about the blurred line between art and censorship in mobile game development. Santa Ragione claims that neither Epic nor Valve provided clear explanations for why the game was banned, leaving them with little choice but to appeal the decision.
According to Pietro Righi Riva, one half of the team at Santa Ragione, the ban may have been caused by a scene involving a man and his daughter visiting a ranch where humans wear horse masks. The daughter wants to ride one of the horses, which the player facilitates through an interactive dialogue sequence. While the game's content warning lists several mature themes, including physical violence and sexual assault, Santa Ragione stresses that neither Epic nor Valve explicitly explained what specific elements in the game were objectionable.
A Long History of Rejections
The studio has a long history of rejections from Steam, dating back to 2023. In an interview with IGN, Riva explained that the ban may have been caused by the initial rejection from Steam, which was followed by multiple appeals and communications with Valve. Despite their efforts, Santa Ragione's requests for review and appeal were denied repeatedly.
The Consequences of Censorship
The ban has had significant consequences for the studio, putting them at risk of financial peril. Without a presence on major storefronts like Steam and Epic, it is challenging to find external support or funding for future projects. Santa Ragione's situation highlights the importance of clear communication and transparency in mobile game development.
A Call to Action
The controversy surrounding "Horses" has sparked a call to action within the indie gaming community, with many developers and gamers advocating for greater creative freedom and less censorship in mobile game development. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether "Horses" will find a new home on the digital shelves or if its creators will need to explore alternative platforms.
The Future of Mobile Game Development
The controversy surrounding "Horses" serves as a reminder that mobile game development is not immune to the challenges and controversies faced by other forms of creative expression. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential for developers, publishers, and gamers alike to prioritize transparency, communication, and creative freedom in their pursuit of innovative and engaging mobile gaming experiences.