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GOG crawls out from under CD Projekt Red with a new owner and teases 'ambitious' plans for classic game 'rescue missions' starting next year
AppWizard
December 30, 2025

GOG crawls out from under CD Projekt Red with a new owner and teases ‘ambitious’ plans for classic game ‘rescue missions’ starting next year

GOG, a digital storefront known for classic and DRM-free gaming, has transitioned to the ownership of Michal Kicinski, a co-founder of GOG, which launched in 2008. Under Kicinski's leadership, GOG aims to expand its library of classic titles and enhance the gaming experience, although specific initiatives have yet to be detailed. CD Projekt Red will continue to support GOG, ensuring that both existing and upcoming titles from the studio remain available on the platform. GOG may also serve as a refuge for unconventional titles, as demonstrated by the psychological horror game Horses, which was banned from other platforms but found success on GOG.
Horses, the Upsetting Horror Game Previously Banned on Steam, Gets Last Minute Ban From Epic Games Store Too
AppWizard
December 4, 2025

Horses, the Upsetting Horror Game Previously Banned on Steam, Gets Last Minute Ban From Epic Games Store Too

Humble has reinstated the game "Horses" on its platform after a temporary delisting for reevaluation. Developer Santa Ragione stated that the game's content, while heavy, did not warrant removal. However, Humble later decided to delist "Horses" again. The game was previously banned from Steam and Epic Games Store due to violations of content guidelines, with Epic citing "Inappropriate Content" and "Hateful or Abusive Content." Santa Ragione's appeal to Epic was denied without further explanation. The game has received attention for its unsettling premise, which critiques societal acceptance of morally horrifying actions. Despite facing bans, "Horses" is currently available on Humble, itch.io, and GOG.
Epic bans indie horror game Horses just one day before launch due to 'inappropriate content', despite having approved that content weeks ago
AppWizard
December 2, 2025

Epic bans indie horror game Horses just one day before launch due to ‘inappropriate content’, despite having approved that content weeks ago

The horror game Horses has been banned from both Steam and Epic Games for violating policies on "inappropriate content" and "hateful or abusive content." Epic Games informed publisher Santa Ragione of the ban just one day before the game's scheduled launch on its platform, without specifying how the game violated guidelines. Santa Ragione's appeal was rejected within 12 hours, also without clarification. While Epic suggested the game could be updated to meet compliance standards, they did not provide specific guidance on necessary changes. Horses contains elements of nudity and adult themes, contributing to the sensitivity surrounding its release. Despite the bans, the game is still available on platforms like GOG, Itch.io, and the Humble Store, which shifted to a DRM-free distribution model.
Horror game maker accuses Valve of 'censorship' after its game about nude human 'Horses' is rejected by Steam: 'Lawful works should not be made unreachable by a monopolistic storefront's opaque decisions'
AppWizard
November 25, 2025

Horror game maker accuses Valve of ‘censorship’ after its game about nude human ‘Horses’ is rejected by Steam: ‘Lawful works should not be made unreachable by a monopolistic storefront’s opaque decisions’

On December 2, Santa Ragione, an Italian game development studio, will release its first-person horror adventure game, Horses, which explores themes like familial trauma and totalitarian power. The game features grotesque imagery set in a ranch environment with nude individuals wearing horse masks. Before its release, Horses received attention at events such as IndieCade and SXSW Sydney. However, Santa Ragione faces potential closure after being banned from Steam due to concerns over content perceived as depicting sexual conduct involving a minor. The studio criticized Steam's lack of clarity in content guidelines and the absence of options for resubmission or appeal. While Epic Games raised issues about visible nudity, the contentious scene in question was not included in external builds until late 2024. Santa Ragione expressed concern over the inconsistency of content standards between different platforms and lamented the loss of access to Steam, which accounts for over 75% of PC game sales. They argue that the ban reflects moralizing censorship and advocate for artistic freedom in gaming.
Steam's Wildly Unclear New Rules On 'Adult Content' Have Already Seen Hundreds Of Games Delisted
AppWizard
July 16, 2025

Steam’s Wildly Unclear New Rules On ‘Adult Content’ Have Already Seen Hundreds Of Games Delisted

Steam has recently updated its content guidelines, leading to the delisting of hundreds of extreme adult games, particularly those involving sensitive themes like incest and sexual violence. The updated guidelines specify 15 unacceptable characteristics for published content, including "sexually explicit images of real people" and certain adult-only content that may violate payment processor rules. Notable titles removed include "Incest Tales: Webcam Daughter" and "Reincarnation in another world going to rape All NPCs VR." The developer of "Daddy Daughter Incest," EroticGamesClub, still has other adult games available, raising questions about the criteria for delisting. The majority of these adult games are simplistic visual novels, often criticized for low quality. Valve states it is open to hosting adult content if appropriately labeled and age-gated, but the ambiguity in the new rules has left developers uncertain about compliance.
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