In a notable turn of events within the gaming industry, CD Projekt’s GOG has stepped in to support the indie horror game Horses, following its recent ban from Steam. This first-person horror experience, set against the backdrop of a haunting horse farm, invites players to navigate through 14 days of escalating dread, where each day brings unique interactions that challenge their obedience and restraint.
GOG’s Support for Indie Developers
As reported by IGN, Horses is set to launch on December 2 across multiple platforms, including the Epic Games Store, GOG, Itch.io, and the Humble Store. However, it will not be available on Steam due to Valve’s decision to deny its release. This ban has raised concerns for the game’s developer, Santa Ragione, who expressed that the situation poses a “high risk” to their studio, given Steam’s overwhelming dominance in the PC gaming market.
Valve has publicly stated that their decision is final, explaining that the game was reviewed earlier in 2023. The company indicated that concerns regarding the content on the store page necessitated a thorough review of the game itself. After a comprehensive evaluation, Valve communicated to Santa Ragione the reasons for their refusal to allow the game on their platform. Despite subsequent requests for reconsideration, Valve maintained its stance.
In response to this setback, GOG has proudly announced its commitment to providing Horses with a platform. The storefront has launched pre-orders and is prominently featuring the game on its homepage, actively promoting it through social media channels. GOG expressed its dedication to player choice and creativity, stating, “We’ve always believed that players should be able to choose the experiences that speak to them.”
Pietro Righi Riva, a representative from Santa Ragione, has called for greater transparency from Steam, urging fellow developers to unite in advocating for improved conditions within the industry. He emphasized the need for a distribution landscape that not only supports commercial sustainability but also fosters the artistic growth of games.
As the gaming community watches these developments unfold, the support from GOG highlights the ongoing challenges faced by indie developers in navigating the complexities of game distribution in a market dominated by a few key players.
