{"id":20816,"date":"2025-12-03T02:46:07","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T06:46:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/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\/"},"modified":"2025-12-03T02:46:20","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T06:46:20","slug":"70571-horses-game-drops-on-gog-and-itch-today-after-last-minute-epic-games-store-ban-s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/70571-horses-game-drops-on-gog-and-itch-today-after-last-minute-epic-games-store-ban-s\/","title":{"rendered":"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"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Horses game<\/b> launches December 2, 2025 on GOG<\/b>, Itch.io<\/b>, and Humble Store<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Steam<\/b> banned the game in November 2025 citing content policy violations with no path to appeal<\/li>\n
  • Epic Games Store<\/b> reversed its earlier approval just 24 hours before launch, delivering last-minute rejection<\/li>\n
  • Santa Ragione<\/b> claims 2 years of development and $100,000 invested with studio facing potential closure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    How Horses Game Faced Double Platform Rejection<\/h2>\n

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

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

    Epic Games Store Reversal Stuns Developer Hours Before Release<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Platform<\/td>\nStatus<\/td>\nTimeline<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Steam<\/b><\/td>\nBanned<\/td>\nNovember 2025<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Epic Games Store<\/b><\/td>\nBanned<\/td>\nDecember 1, 2025 (24 hours before launch)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    GOG<\/b><\/td>\nAvailable<\/td>\nDecember 2, 2025<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Itch.io<\/b><\/td>\nAvailable<\/td>\nDecember 2, 2025<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

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

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

    GOG and CD Projekt Provide Support as Alternatives Emerge<\/h2>\n

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

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

    What Horses Game Actually Offers Players<\/h2>\n

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

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

    Will Santa Ragione Survive the Platform Bans?<\/h2>\n

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

    \n“Lawful works should not be made unreachable by monopolistic storefronts’ opaque decisions,” the developer stated regarding the platform bans.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2014 Santa Ragione<\/b>, Game Developer<\/p>\n

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    Watch: Horses Launch Trailer<\/h3>\n