Epic Games Bans HORSES: Developer Santa Ragione Speaks Out
Epic Games Bans HORSES: A Developer’s Nightmare
The controversy surrounding the game HORSES has taken a dramatic turn, with developer Santa Ragione claiming they have been ‘ghosted’ by Epic Games. The game was initially approved for release, only to be banned at the last minute.
This unexpected decision has left the small Italian development studio reeling, as they were relying on the Epic Games Store and Steam to reach their audience. The ban has sparked a heated debate about censorship and the power of game stores.
Santa Ragione’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for developers, highlighting the risks of relying on a single platform for distribution. The company’s struggles to get their game noticed have been further complicated by the lack of communication from Epic Games.
The game’s ban has also raised questions about the consistency of Epic Games’ content policies. With the company’s growth figures for 2025 being touted as a success, the HORSES controversy threatens to tarnish their reputation.
As the gaming community continues to analyse the situation, one thing is clear: the relationship between game developers and distributors is complex and often fraught with challenges. The fate of HORSES remains uncertain, but its impact on the gaming industry will be felt for a long time.
The Epic Games Store’s decision to ban HORSES has sparked a wider conversation about the role of game stores in regulating content. While some argue that stores have a responsibility to protect their users, others believe that such decisions stifle creativity and limit player choice.
For Santa Ragione, the experience has been a difficult lesson in the importance of diversifying distribution channels. As the company looks to the future, they must navigate the complex landscape of game stores and find new ways to connect with their audience.
The gaming industry is known for its unpredictability, and the HORSES controversy is just the latest example of this. As developers and players alike try to make sense of the situation, one thing is clear: the need for open communication and transparency is more pressing than ever.
In the end, the fate of HORSES will serve as a test case for the gaming industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that arise when developers and distributors collide. As the story continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how Epic Games responds to the criticism and whether they will revisit their decision to ban the game.
