Epic Games has responded to criticism from an independent developer, stating it provided necessary context when it determined a horror game violated its platform’s content policies. The dispute centers on the game “HORSES” from developer Santa Ragione, which was blocked from release on the Epic Games Store.

The company disputed characterizations that it made “provably incorrect statements” to the development studio. In its statement, Epic Games insisted it gave feedback explaining its conclusion that the game breached the Epic Game Store’s content guidelines and therefore could not be listed for sale.

Background of the Dispute

The controversy became public when Santa Ragione, the Italian studio behind the narrative horror game “HORSES,” revealed the title had been rejected by the Epic Games Store. The developer expressed frustration, suggesting communication from Epic was unclear and contained inaccuracies regarding the reasons for the ban.

Epic Games operates one of the largest digital storefronts for personal computer games, competing directly with platforms like Steam. Its content guidelines prohibit certain material, though the specific policy cited in the “HORSES” case has not been publicly detailed by either party. Such guidelines typically cover extreme graphic violence, adult content, or other sensitive material.

Epic’s Position on Communication

In its rebuttal, Epic Games emphasized its commitment to clear communication with developers. The company stated that when it decides a product does not meet its standards, it aims to provide developers with the context behind that decision. This process is part of its developer relations strategy for the Epic Games Store.

The core of Epic’s argument is that it did not leave Santa Ragione without explanation. The company maintains that while the developer may disagree with the assessment, feedback was indeed supplied regarding the perceived violation of store policies. This point addresses the developer’s claim of receiving “provably incorrect statements.”

Developer Reactions and Industry Context

Santa Ragione has developed several acclaimed indie titles, known for their distinctive art style and psychological horror elements. The rejection of a game from a storefront represents a significant commercial hurdle, as these platforms are primary distribution channels for independent studios.

Incidents involving content moderation on major storefronts often spark broader discussions within the game development community. Topics include the transparency of platform guidelines, the consistency of policy enforcement, and the power dynamic between large platform holders and independent creators. Other storefronts, including Steam and itch.io, have faced similar scrutiny over their content decisions in recent years.

Implications for Platform Governance

This case highlights the ongoing challenge digital storefronts face in curating content. Platforms must balance community standards, regional legal requirements, and brand perception while supporting a diverse developer ecosystem. The process for appealing content decisions is a frequent point of contention.

For developers, clear and consistent communication from platforms is essential for planning and, if necessary, modifying content to meet requirements. Ambiguity in policy enforcement can lead to delays, unexpected costs, and public disputes like the one between Epic Games and Santa Ragione.

Looking Ahead

As of now, “HORSES” remains unavailable for sale on the Epic Games Store. Santa Ragione may choose to modify the game to comply with Epic’s guidelines, seek release on alternative storefronts, or continue its dialogue with Epic. The developer has not publicly announced its next steps following Epic’s latest statement.

Epic Games is likely to continue refining its developer communication processes as the Epic Games Store expands its library. The company has not indicated any change to its content policies or review procedures. Further public statements from either party may provide additional clarity on the specific content issues that led to the game’s rejection.

Source: GamesIndustry.biz