The first game by developer Andrea Lucco Borlera was banned on Steam. Nevertheless, he wants to stay true to his vision and is already working on the next similar game.
Why was his game banned? Andrea Lucco Borlera’s first game with the initially inconspicuous title “Horses” was banned on Steam because an early version allegedly violated the guidelines for the depiction of minors according to Valve (see GamesRadar+). The trigger was, according to the developer, a scene in which a child rode on the back of a naked adult person wearing a horse mask.
They permanently rejected the game and also refused a re-examination after the developers replaced the child in the game with an adult figure. Subsequently, other platforms such as the Epic Games Store also removed the title from their shops, and the game was discussed critically on multiple occasions.
The ban garnered attention around the title and led to 18,000 copies being sold on Itch, the Humble Store, and GOG in the first two weeks (see GamesRadar+).
What kind of game is Horses? Horses is an experimental indie horror game that focuses more on disturbing atmosphere than on traditional gameplay. It uses surreal imagery, strange sounds, and an unusual narrative style. Thematically, it deals with psychological and often disturbing content that is intentionally difficult to understand. It is regarded more as an artistic horror experience rather than a traditional game. The theme revolves around people behaving like horses due to brainwashing.
This extreme, unconventional portrayal is also why it has been controversially discussed and often labeled as absolutely disturbing. Nevertheless, the developer does not waver from his vision, as he is already planning his next project.
Developer wants to stay true to his vision at all costs
Why is the developer making a similar project? Andrea Lucco Borlera reveals to GamesRadar+ that despite setbacks and controversies surrounding his first project “Horses”, he will continue as planned. He must “stay true to his vision” even though he is certain that this project will not appeal to everyone either.
“It is perceived as radioactive by the publisher,” he explains in the interview regarding the controversy surrounding his first game and the process of bringing his second idea to a publisher. “The problem is that there is no niche in the true sense of the word, as is the case in mainstream cinema – there are countless horror films and production companies that produce horror films. In the video game industry, there is no equivalent. Therefore, it is difficult to find a partner who shares your vision.”
Accordingly, his second game would not be any less disturbing and would offer experimental horror. And he would find a way to implement his idea, even if he first had to manage without a publisher: “In the worst case, I could consider going through Kickstarter or develop it myself over the years.”
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