Epic Games Store Bans ‘Horses’ Hours Before Release, Reigniting Censorship Debate

The Epic Games Store has banned the upcoming indie game “Horses” just one day before its scheduled launch. Developer Santa Ragione received the notification on December 3, 2025. The store cited violations of its content policy against “Inappropriate Content.”

This sudden move has shocked the gaming community. It highlights ongoing tensions between major platforms and developers of mature, artistic games. The ban echoes a similar earlier rejection by Valve’s Steam platform.

Inside the Sudden Rejection and Contested Rating

According to Santa Ragione, Epic had already approved the game weeks earlier. The developers provided a build for review two months prior. The last-minute reversal came as a major surprise to the team.

Epic’s decision was linked to an “Adult Only” (AO) age rating the game received. The store’s guidelines prohibit AO-rated titles. However, a notable exception exists for games rated AO solely due to blockchain or NFT technology.

This exception has drawn sharp criticism from observers. It suggests a policy inconsistency where controversial tech is permitted, but challenging art is not. The developer argues this represents “modern-day puritanism” influencing digital storefronts.

Artistic Intent Versus Platform Policy Enforcement

“Horses” is a horror-farming simulation with mature themes. It explores a grotesque world where people are treated as livestock. The developer states its purpose is social critique, not titillation.

Earlier, Valve’s Steam also banned the game. Their concern centered on a scene perceived as depicting sexual conduct involving a minor. Santa Ragione clarified the character was an adult and revised the scene.

Neither Epic nor Valve specified the exact offending content. This lack of clarity frustrates developers aiming to comply. It creates an environment where self-censorship may stifle creative risks.

Reporting by Rock Paper Shotgun details the developer’s response. They assert that lawful artistic works for adults should remain accessible on major platforms. The bans, they say, shape what games get made.

Alternative storefronts have reacted differently. The game remains available for purchase on GOG and Itch.io. The Humble Store briefly delisted “Horses” but relisted it after an internal review.

The Epic Games Store ban on “Horses” underscores a pivotal conflict in digital marketplaces. It pits evolving content moderation policies against the fundamental principles of artistic freedom and developer autonomy.

Info at your fingertips

Why was Horses banned from the Epic Games Store?

Epic banned the game for violating policies on “Inappropriate Content.” The store cited the game’s “Adult Only” rating, which it prohibits except for titles rated AO solely for using blockchain or NFT technology.

Where can I buy the game Horses now?

Despite the Epic ban, Horses is available for purchase on other digital storefronts. You can find it on GOG and Itch.io following the controversial removal.

What is the NFT exception in Epic’s policy?

Epic Games Store uniquely allows Adult Only-rated games if the rating is solely due to blockchain, NFT, or crypto content. This has sparked debate about prioritizing certain technologies over artistic expression.

Did Steam also ban this game?

Yes, Valve’s Steam platform previously rejected Horses. Their initial concern involved a scene they believed depicted problematic content, which the developers later clarified and revised.

How are indie developers impacted by such bans?

Bans from major stores limit audience reach and revenue. They can force developers to self-censor future projects, potentially reducing the diversity of creative and challenging games in the market.