Santa Ragione’s horror game, *Horses*, has sparked debate and intrigue, selling over 18,000 copies despite being removed from both Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Earlier this month, the Italian studio revealed in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz that it could face closure. Valve’s decision not to host *Horses* on Steam left them worried about reaching a wide audience on PC, which is crucial for covering development costs. This concern grew when Epic Games Store also dropped support for the game shortly after.
In an update, Santa Ragione announced they managed to earn around $65,000 in net revenue. They credited this boost to media coverage of the bans, support from GOG, and a positive response from players. While this revenue helps with loans and royalties, it’s still not enough to secure the studio’s future.
“The funding primarily addresses obligations from a lengthy development period,” they explained. “If sales remain steady, we might be able to explore new projects later. But for now, team members are taking on other jobs. Bringing everyone back together won’t be easy, even though it’s something we long for.”
Santa Ragione also emphasized that their success doesn’t erase the challenges they faced. The Steam ban caused significant delays, pushing the team into a frantic search for funding and leading to financial stress. “This fragmentation will have lasting effects, even if the launch went well,” they noted.
In light of their experience, Santa Ragione called for clearer rules and accountability from major distribution platforms. “For every visible case like *Horses*, there are countless games that get banned or stalled in review, leaving developers afraid to speak out,” they mentioned.
According to a 2022 report from the Entertainment Software Association, over 50% of developers reported facing challenges with platform policies, highlighting a widespread issue in the gaming industry. This suggests that many creators share similar struggles, often without the visibility needed to draw attention to their plight.
As the gaming industry evolves, discussions around transparency and fairness in distribution are more important than ever. Ensuring accountability can help emerging studios thrive, promoting a healthier gaming environment for everyone.
