Steam and Epic Games Store have recently banned the Italian horror game Horses from sale, despite its critical acclaim on other platforms like itch.io and GOG. The controversy surrounding the game's release has sparked a heated debate about video games as art and the role of censorship.
Horses is an indie horror game that follows the story of Anselmo, a young man sent to work on a farm where the 'horses' are actually nude humans wearing horse heads. Players must perform menial tasks like chopping wood and picking vegetables while also dealing with the disturbing reality of their surroundings. The game's graphics are intentionally simplistic and crude, which some critics argue dulls the horror elements.
The game's content was reviewed by Steam and Epic Games Store before its release, and both companies cited concerns about 'inappropriate content' and 'hateful or abusive content'. However, developer Santa Ragione claims that they were not provided with specific details on what content was at issue.
Despite the controversy surrounding its release, Horses has sparked an interesting conversation about video games as art and the role of censorship. The game's director has stated that the horror is psychological and lies in the incongruity of performing everyday tasks in a disturbing environment, rather than relying on gratuitous gore or violence.
The ban on Steam and Epic Games Store highlights the complexities of online gaming content moderation and the delicate balance between protecting players from explicit material while also allowing for artistic expression.
Horses is an indie horror game that follows the story of Anselmo, a young man sent to work on a farm where the 'horses' are actually nude humans wearing horse heads. Players must perform menial tasks like chopping wood and picking vegetables while also dealing with the disturbing reality of their surroundings. The game's graphics are intentionally simplistic and crude, which some critics argue dulls the horror elements.
The game's content was reviewed by Steam and Epic Games Store before its release, and both companies cited concerns about 'inappropriate content' and 'hateful or abusive content'. However, developer Santa Ragione claims that they were not provided with specific details on what content was at issue.
Despite the controversy surrounding its release, Horses has sparked an interesting conversation about video games as art and the role of censorship. The game's director has stated that the horror is psychological and lies in the incongruity of performing everyday tasks in a disturbing environment, rather than relying on gratuitous gore or violence.
The ban on Steam and Epic Games Store highlights the complexities of online gaming content moderation and the delicate balance between protecting players from explicit material while also allowing for artistic expression.
I think its kinda weird that Steam & Epic Games Store get to decide what games are suitable for sale, its like they're acting as gatekeepers of art 
especially when the game's been out on other platforms and gotten great reviews from gamers who dont mind the cringy graphics 
. The whole thing feels kinda petty, like they're trying to cover their own backsides with these vague "inappropriate content" warnings that could just be used to silence devs who push boundaries 
I mean, cant we just have a more nuanced conversation about what makes good art and how its presented? Maybe the devs werent even aware of any issues before Steam & Epic got their hands on it 
i mean, it's not like Horses is some violent game or anything. It's actually kinda clever how the director made the horror more psychological and stuff. but at the same time, you can see why Steam and Epic Games Store would be like "no way" 
it's just so frustrating because i love games with weird themes and challenges my brain in the process 
.
... like, nope! That's not even close to what it is. it's just a dude doing chores on a creepy farm 
... if that's the worst you can say it is 
.
is it worth taking the risk, or do we need more guidelines and rules to keep everyone safe? 
. Can't we just have both?
like, who needs fancy graphics when you're trying to freak yourself out mentally, right? 
but at the same time, i get why steam and epic games store would be worried about explicit content... that's just basic responsibility, ya know?
... I mean, I get that some games can be super disturbing or triggering, but Horses seems like a really thought-provoking game that's more about the psychological horror than actual gore or violence. It's like, why are we so quick to ban it just because it's different? Can't we just let artists express themselves and deal with any controversy that comes with it? 
... it's like they just took a knee-jerk reaction without thinking it through.
. It's not just about banning games that are "too scary" or "not family-friendly", but also about finding a balance between protecting players and allowing for artistic expression 
it's like, the horror is in the atmosphere & the story, not just some fancy graphics. And the devs were clearly trying to make a statement about how uncomfortable we all can be when faced with stuff that makes us question what's normal.
.
. If you can't handle a little psychological terror, maybe you shouldn't be playing games in the first place? And honestly, I think the graphics are kinda cool – all simple and crude, like a old-school bad horror movie 
.
. The devs clearly put thought into creating something unique, and that's what matters. I'm all for nuance in censorship, you feel? Maybe they could've handled the situation better, but at least they're having a discussion about it 
. I'm rooting for them, and I hope Horses gets back up on Steam soon 
.
.
.
.
. I'm all about free speech and artistic expression, you know? 
So, to all the devs out there, keep on creating from the heart 
, even if it means pushing boundaries a little 
!
. I mean, have you tried that new vegan "cheese" they're serving? It's like eating a wet sock 
️
.