CD Projekt's GOG platform has stepped up in support of the indie horror game Horses following its ban from Steam by Valve. Horses is an innovative first-person horror experience that immerses players in a chilling narrative over a 14-day span, where they face unsettling encounters on a sinister horse farm. GOG is now taking pre-orders for the game, set to launch on December 2 across multiple stores, including GOG, Epic Games Store, Itch.io, and the Humble Store. This support comes after the developer, Santa Ragione, faced a precarious situation potentially threatening their ability to continue due to Steam's market dominance. Valve's ban has raised questions about transparency and fairness in the gaming marketplace.

Why was Horses banned from Steam?

Horses was banned from Steam due to content that Valve deemed inconsistent with their guidelines after reviewing a build of the game. Valve confirmed this decision was final, prompting GOG to offer a supportive alternative for its release.

Horses, developed by Santa Ragione, is known for its unique blend of live-action sequences and horror narrative, inviting players to explore themes of obedience and dread. The game's premise challenges conventional horror gameplay experiences, positioning it as a significant title for both indie horror enthusiasts and critics. The decision by GOG to embrace this game highlights the ongoing struggles indie developers face when navigating distribution platforms, especially in the current landscape dominated by Steam. This scenario could spark broader conversations regarding the balance of power between developers and platform holders in the gaming industry.