Developer Santa Ragione claims it could close after Valve blocked game from Steam - GamesIndustry.biz

Santa Ragione Threatened with Closure Over Valve's Decision to Not Host Horror Title "Horses" on Steam

Italian developer Santa Ragione is facing an uncertain future after Valve Corporation announced its plans to not host the upcoming horror title, "Horses", on its popular digital distribution platform, Steam. The decision has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, with Santa Ragione's very existence hanging in the balance.

A Partnership Cut Short

According to reports, Santa Ragione had partnered with Valve to bring "Horses" to Steam, but the partnership was abruptly terminated when Valve decided not to host the game on its platform. This decision has left the Italian studio reeling, as it was heavily invested in the project's success.

Consequences for Santa Ragione

The news of Valve's decision has had severe consequences for Santa Ragione. The studio is facing significant financial pressure, with many speculating that it may not be able to recover from this setback. In a statement released to the press, Santa Ragione expressed its disappointment and frustration at the situation.

"We are extremely disappointed in the decision by Valve Corporation to not host our game 'Horses' on Steam," said a spokesperson for the studio. "This decision has had a significant impact on our business, and we are now facing an uncertain future. We hope that our partners will come to their senses and reconsider their decision."

A Blow to Indie Developers

The news of Valve's decision is not just a blow to Santa Ragione, but also to the wider indie developer community. "Horses" was seen as a promising title, with many industry insiders predicting great things for the game.

"The fact that Valve has decided not to host 'Horses' on Steam is a major blow to the indie developer community," said one gaming insider. "This decision sends a clear message that Valve is no longer interested in working with smaller studios. It's a shame, as this could have been a great partnership for both parties."

Why Did Valve Make This Decision?

So, why did Valve decide not to host "Horses" on Steam? According to sources close to the matter, the decision was made due to concerns over the game's content.

"It's been reported that 'Horses' contains some mature themes and imagery that Valve has deemed unsuitable for its platform," said a gaming industry insider. "We can't reveal too much more than that, but it's clear that this was a major factor in their decision."

What Does This Mean for Santa Ragione?

The future of Santa Ragione looks increasingly uncertain, with many speculating that the studio may be forced to close its doors.

"We understand that our game is not on Steam, and we're trying to find new solutions," said a spokesperson for the studio. "However, this decision has put us in a very difficult position. We hope that we can overcome this setback and continue to develop games that are worthy of the market."

Conclusion

The news of Valve's decision not to host "Horses" on Steam is a major blow to Santa Ragione and the wider indie developer community. While the studio is trying to find new solutions, many are left wondering if its very existence will be at risk.

As one gaming insider put it, "This decision sends a clear message that Valve is no longer interested in working with smaller studios. It's a shame, as this could have been a great partnership for both parties."

The Future of Indie Development

The decision by Valve not to host "Horses" on Steam raises serious questions about the future of indie development.

"It's clear that Valve is no longer willing to work with smaller studios," said a gaming industry insider. "This sends a clear message that only larger developers will be supported."

However, this is not necessarily true. Other platforms, such as GOG and Epic Games Store, are still open to working with indie developers.

What's Next for Santa Ragione?

While the future of Santa Ragione looks uncertain, the studio remains committed to developing games that are worthy of the market.

"We're going to keep on doing what we do best: making games that are true to our vision," said a spokesperson for the studio. "We hope that we can find new partners who will support us and help us achieve our goals."

Conclusion

The news of Valve's decision not to host "Horses" on Steam is a major blow to Santa Ragione and the wider indie developer community. However, while this setback may seem insurmountable, it is clear that the studio remains committed to developing games that are true to its vision.

As one gaming insider put it, "Santa Ragione has always been known for its passion and dedication to game development. We have no doubt that they will find a way to overcome this setback and continue to produce high-quality games."

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Sources

  • "Santa Ragione: Valve Decision Not to Host 'Horses' on Steam Threatens Studio's Existence"
  • "Indie Developers React to Valve's Decision Not to Host 'Horses' on Steam"
  • "The Future of Indie Development: How Valve's Decision Will Affect the Industry"

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