Valve's Final Decision Leads to Potential Closure of Acclaimed Indie Studio Santa Ragione

Daily Games

·

28/11/2025

ADVERTISEMENT

Valve has again refused to list the surreal horror game Horses on Steam. Independent developers view the refusal as a serious warning, because the studio behind the title, Santa Ragione, has won major awards and has large sums invested in the project.

Core of the News

The Italian indie team Santa Ragione, known for story based works like Mediterranea Inferno, warned that it might shut down after Valve rejected Horses for sale on Steam. The team spent more than two years plus about one hundred thousand dollars to finish the game. Valve sent its final refusal near the end of 2023 stating that parts of the game looked like “sexual conduct involving a minor.” Santa Ragione changed the scenes Valve questioned - yet the company still refused to list the title. Horses will reach players through other stores on 2 December - yet the loss of Steam will sharply limit sales.

ADVERTISEMENT

Background and Industry Impact

Steam controls most global sales of PC games. When a small studio cannot appear on the storefront, its title receives far less attention but also earns far less money and outside publishers lose interest. In recent interviews Santa Ragione co founder Pietro Righi Riva called the review process “very stressful” as well as said the studio might close if its main release never reaches Steam.

Expert Opinions and Market Data

Market figures show that Steam handles roughly three quarters of all digital PC game sales worldwide. Many indie teams depend on that traffic for income or publicity. Observers note that once Steam rejects a title, banks and publishers usually withdraw support from the developer.

ADVERTISEMENT

Possible Future Impacts

Because Valve treats its ruling as final, debate over platform authority also clarity of rules has grown. The ordeal of Santa Ragione may push developers, journalists and players to demand clearer content guidelines next to stronger help for small teams who struggle with distribution. Other stores could gain importance - yet unless the current balance shifts, the market may keep losing inventive narrative games from studios that meet the same barrier.

Recommend

Battlefield 6 Dev: "You Are The Skill," Aim Assist Doesn't Play For You

Battlefield 6 developer clarifies the game's aim assist system, emphasizing player skill over automated assistance in response to comparisons with Call of Duty.

ADVERTISEMENT

Capcom to Unveil More of Resident Evil Requiem in Upcoming Spotlight Event

Capcom announces a 'Capcom Spotlight' event on June 26, featuring a deep dive into Resident Evil Requiem, Pragmata, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Street Fighter 6, with new details and developer interviews.

Fatal Frame 2 Remake Revives Iconic Horror with New Hand-Holding Mechanic

The Fatal Frame 2 remake is coming in early 2026 with a new hand-holding mechanic, aiming to deepen the bond between the twin protagonists and enhance the horror experience.

Stardew Valley Dethrones Portal 2 as Steam's Top-Rated Game After 14 Years

Stardew Valley dethrones Portal 2 as Steam's top-rated game after 14 years, marking a significant shift in the platform's rankings.

ADVERTISEMENT

Red Dead Redemption Rides Again? New Rating Hints at Current-Gen Release

Red Dead Redemption Rides Again? New Rating Hints at Current-Gen Release

Beastro: Where Cooking Meets Monster Fighting in a Deliciously Named Adventure

Discover "Beastro," a unique game blending cooking and monster fighting, where meals power up adventurers. Learn about its gameplay, release date, and platforms.

Arc Raiders Player Becomes 'Engineer of Chaos' on New Stella Montis Map

Discover how an Arc Raiders player became the 'engineer of chaos' by using barricades to create elaborate mazes and trap opponents on the new Stella Montis map.

ADVERTISEMENT

Warzone Gears Up for Blackout Revival in 2026 with Exciting New Mode

Call of Duty: Warzone is set to receive a Blackout-inspired mode in Spring 2026, featuring a new map called Avalon and close integration with Black Ops 7 content. Developers express excitement for the revival of the original battle royale experience.

Black Ops 7 Unveils Massive Map Roster: 16 New and Returning Battlegrounds Detailed

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to launch with a massive 16 multiplayer maps, including new designs and returning classics. Discover all the maps detailed for the beta and full release.

Old School RuneScape’s Sailing Skill Launch Sparks Immediate Player Exploit and Swift Hotfix

Old School RuneScape launches its first new skill in 19 years—Sailing—immediately prompting a swift developer hotfix after players discover a major XP exploit.

ADVERTISEMENT