Italian game developer Santa Ragione is in turmoil after their highly anticipated title, Horses, was recently banned from the popular gaming platform Steam. The studio, known for their innovative and thought-provoking games, is now facing the harsh reality of potential closure as a result of this unexpected setback.



The Ban: A Devastating Blow


For Santa Ragione, the news of Horses being barred from Steam came as a devastating blow. The upcoming horror game, slated for release in December, was supposed to be a significant milestone for the studio. However, with its ban from the largest digital distribution platform for PC gaming, Santa Ragione now finds itself in a precarious position.


In a statement addressing the ban, the studio expressed their deep disappointment and frustration. They emphasized the hard work and dedication that went into developing Horses, only to have their efforts seemingly invalidated by Steam's decision. The ban not only puts the future of the game at risk but also threatens the livelihoods of the developers at Santa Ragione.



Scary, Humiliating, and Patronizing


Describing their emotions in the wake of the ban, Santa Ragione's team members shared their candid thoughts. "It is scary, humiliating, and patronizing," one developer remarked. The sudden prohibition of Horses on Steam has left the studio feeling vulnerable and exposed, their creative vision stifled by external forces beyond their control.


Furthermore, the ban has raised questions about the autonomy of indie game developers in an industry dominated by major platforms. Santa Ragione's experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by smaller studios trying to make their mark in a competitive market environment.



Community Outcry and Support


Following the news of Horses being banned from Steam, an outpouring of support emerged from the gaming community. Fans of Santa Ragione's previous works rallied behind the studio, expressing their solidarity and disappointment over the decision to block the release of the new game.


Many gamers took to social media to voice their frustration with the ban, calling on Steam to reconsider their stance and give Santa Ragione the opportunity to showcase their creativity. The groundswell of support demonstrated the strong bond between indie developers and their loyal fan base, highlighting the importance of community solidarity in times of adversity.



Risks of Closure


As Santa Ragione faces the prospect of closure in light of the ban on Horses, the future of the studio hangs in the balance. The financial implications of not being able to release their game on a major platform like Steam could have far-reaching consequences for the developers.


With resources already stretched thin during the game development process, the loss of potential revenue from sales on Steam presents a significant challenge for Santa Ragione. The studio must now explore alternative options to bring Horses to market and navigate the uncertain waters of the gaming industry.



Legal Recourse and Options


In response to the ban, Santa Ragione is considering their legal recourse and exploring potential options to challenge Steam's decision. The studio is in talks with legal advisors and industry experts to assess the feasibility of appealing the ban and seeking a resolution that allows Horses to be released on the platform.


While the road ahead may be uncertain, Santa Ragione remains determined to fight for their creative vision and uphold their integrity as game developers. The team is committed to exploring all available avenues to address the ban and ensure that Horses sees the light of day.



Hope for the Future


Despite the challenges and setbacks brought about by the ban on Horses, Santa Ragione remains hopeful for the future. The studio's passion for game development and commitment to pushing boundaries in the industry continue to drive their resilience in the face of adversity.


With the support of their fans, peers, and the wider gaming community, Santa Ragione is determined to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side. The studio's unwavering dedication to their craft serves as a beacon of hope in a time of uncertainty and doubt.

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