Indie horror game Horses, developed by Santa Ragione, has been banned from release on Steam by Valve despite the developer’s attempts to address concerns. The game, which features live-action sequences set on a horse farm and challenges players with 14 days of escalating dread, is now set to launch on December 2 via alternative PC storefronts including GOG, Epic Games Store, Itch.io, and Humble Store. Valve confirmed its decision is final but did not provide detailed reasons for the ban, leaving the developer at risk of closure due to Steam’s dominant market position.

In response, GOG has stepped in to support Horses, offering pre-orders and promoting the game on its platform, emphasizing player choice and creative freedom. Santa Ragione’s Pietro Righi Riva called for greater transparency and better conditions from Steam, highlighting the industry’s reliance on a few major distributors and the need for them to foster both commercial sustainability and artistic growth in gaming.