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Banned on Steam, Game 'Horses' Becomes Unexpected Bestseller
6 Dec
Summary
- Game 'Horses' was banned from Steam two years ago, risking studio closure.
- The ban unexpectedly propelled the game to bestseller status on GOG.com.
- Despite success, the developer fears future self-censorship due to moderation whims.
The narrative horror game 'Horses' faced an existential threat two years ago when it was banned from Steam, jeopardizing the future of its creator, Santa Ragione. Producer Pietro Righi Riva expressed significant fear for the game's director, whose passion project was at stake.
Unexpectedly, the controversy surrounding the ban garnered widespread attention from media, fellow developers, and players. This buzz transformed 'Horses' into a cause célèbre, driving it to bestseller status on GOG.com and providing much-needed financial recovery for the studio, though they are not yet entirely out of the woods.
Despite the positive sales and engagement, the developer acknowledges that Steam's reach is irreplaceable. The experience has highlighted the precarious position of indie developers reliant on platforms like Steam, potentially leading to a climate of self-censorship to avoid future bans.
