The game Horses, developed by indie studio Santa Ragione in collaboration with filmmaker Andrea Lucco Bolera, has recently garnered attention after being banned from major platforms Steam and the Epic Game Store. Despite these bans, it has achieved bestseller status on GOG.com, uniting gamers in support of the title. The game provides a short narrative experience, lasting approximately three to four hours, featuring a protagonist named Anselmo, a 20-year-old who must spend two weeks on a farm under the supervision of its strict owner. Players engage in various tasks, such as watering gardens and feeding animals, while interacting with a unique cast that includes humans wearing horse masks.
Despite significant discussion surrounding the game’s themes and potential for artistic expression, many players have noted humorous elements within its content, including intentional and unintentional comedic moments. The game has sparked conversation about whether its blending of horror and humor detracts from its intended messages. Some players find that the comedic aspects reduce the weight of the serious themes being explored, leading to questions about the effectiveness of shock value and narrative design in video games.
As developments unfold, the ongoing debate over the game’s censorship and themes continues to resonate within the gaming community. The game is currently available on GOG.com, Humble, and itch.io, prompting discussions about its artistic merit and the implications of its ban from more mainstream distribution channels. The situation raises questions about how gaming platforms can influence content accessibility and what defines a game’s place in the artistic landscape of video games.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/games/839464/horses-review-santa-ragione-steam-epic-bans