**Santa Ragione Completes Repayment Despite Challenges: The Case of “Horses”**

Santa Ragione, the creative team behind the controversial Surrealist horror game “Horses,” has successfully repaid all the funds borrowed for its development, despite facing significant barriers in obtaining a release on major distribution platforms. Initially, the game’s launch was obstructed by bans from both Steam and the Epic Games Store, which raised concerns over its content, particularly regarding depictions of sexual conduct involving minors.

Upon launch on alternative platforms such as GOG, Humble, and Itch, “Horses” sold approximately 18,000 copies, generating around $65,000 in net revenue. The game developers had previously borrowed about $50,000 from friends to ensure the game’s completion, with the overall development budget totaling around $100,000. The team expressed gratitude towards players and supporters in a press release, emphasizing that while repaying their debts marks a significant achievement, it is insufficient to sustain the studio’s operations moving forward.

Without the long-tail sales typically associated with Steam, Santa Ragione contends that the financial success of “Horses” may not be enough to fund future projects. The game’s sales results, while promising on smaller platforms, cannot replicate the extensive reach and revenue potential provided by Steam’s extensive user base and promotional offerings.

“Horses,” which has been described as an exploration of sexual oppression and brutality rather than a glorification of abuse, endeavored to address heavy themes while navigating the complexities of censorship and industry standards. The developers revamped character designs to ensure all were visibly over 20 years old in response to initial concerns from Valve’s reviewers. Yet, despite these adjustments, the game has been positioned within a larger discussion about censorship in the gaming industry, particularly involving the monopolistic power of distribution platforms like Valve.

The events surrounding “Horses” highlight a broader issue concerning the regulation and visibility of adult content in video games, as recent changes in submission standards across platforms have been influenced by payment networks responding to pressure from various advocacy groups. This situation raises the question of accountability and transparent guidelines within the industry’s distribution practices.

As Santa Ragione moves toward potential re-establishment, the developers remain hopeful for future collaborations, yet acknowledge the challenges of reuniting the team. The success of “Horses,” while commendable, serves as a reminder of the precarious landscape for independent game developers grappling with the complexities of content regulation and market access.

As the industry’s dynamics continue to evolve, the case of “Horses” exemplifies the necessity for clearer regulations and processes to ensure that creative works can be expressed without undue interference while promoting accountability among distribution channels.