Horses game finally launches on GOG and Itch.io today, but wait until you see which major stores just rejected it at the last second

The Horses game launches today on GOG and Itch.io after facing rejection from major digital storefronts. Developer Santa Ragione saw its controversial horror title banned from both Steam and Epic Games Store. Despite the platform exclusions, the indie studio’s unsettling creation finally reaches players through alternative channels.

How Horses Game Faced Double Platform Rejection

Santa Ragione‘s indie horror project became one of gaming’s most controversial releases before launch. Valve rejected the title from Steam in November 2025, claiming content guideline violations without offering specific details for modification.

The Italian developer countered that Valve‘s reasoning remained deliberately vague and unfounded. Santa Ragione stated there exist no scenes containing inappropriate material involving minors, contradicting the core reason for Steam‘s initial rejection.

Epic Games Store Reversal Stuns Developer Hours Before Release

Platform	Status	Timeline
Steam	Banned	November 2025
Epic Games Store	Banned	December 1, 2025 (24 hours before launch)
GOG	Available	December 2, 2025
Itch.io	Available	December 2, 2025

Epic Games Store delivered a devastating blow when it reversed course and rejected the game roughly 24 hours before its scheduled release. Santa Ragione received only an automated message denying their appeal with minimal explanation from the platform.

Epic stated it could not distribute Horses because review found violations of content guidelines. The last-minute ban devastated the studio, which had already navigated months of uncertainty following Steam‘s rejection.

GOG and CD Projekt Provide Support as Alternatives Emerge

GOG, the CD Projekt-owned storefront, stepped forward to champion the controversial title. The platform explicitly stated it was proud to give Horses a home, positioning itself as an alternative dedicated to player choice.

CD Projekt‘s support represented a significant corporate backing for artistic expression in gaming. Humble Store also provided distribution channels, allowing Santa Ragione to reach audiences despite major storefronts’ rejections.

What Horses Game Actually Offers Players

Horses is a first-person horror adventure blending live-action sequences with unsettling gameplay experiences. The game costs $4.99 across all platforms, making it accessible despite the studio’s struggles.

Players experience 14-day scenarios on a horse farm that test obedience, complicity, and restraint. Santa Ragione describes the title as enigmatic horror that blurs reality and imagination, delivering deliberately unsettling encounters meant to provoke players rather than entertain.

Will Santa Ragione Survive the Platform Bans?

Santa Ragione faced existential threats following the dual rejections. The studio claimed development consumed two years and approximately $100,000 in resources, money now difficult to recoup without Steam‘s reach.

“Lawful works should not be made unreachable by monopolistic storefronts’ opaque decisions,” the developer stated regarding the platform bans.

— Santa Ragione, Game Developer

Sources

• IGN – Comprehensive coverage of Horses bans across Steam and Epic Games Store
• PC Gamer – Analysis of Epic Games’ last-minute reversal and content concerns
• GameIndustry.biz – Developer statements and GOG’s public support for the title