HORSES Horror Game Gets Japanese Language Support June 16
The Japanese localization of a game that major platforms rejected as inappropriate signals that niche, controversial titles can still find audiences and critical recognition through alternative storefronts and dedicated fan translation efforts.
Reporting from 2 sources: Automaton, Game Spark.
Santa Ragione's controversial horror game 'HORSES' will receive an official Japanese language update on June 16, 2026. The announcement was made by translator Rabumu (also known as LoveMoo) on June 15. The game, which was banned from sale on Steam and the Epic Games Store due to its extreme depictions, is available on GOG.com, itch.io, and the Humble Store for $4.99 (approximately 700 yen). In 'HORSES,' the player takes on the role of a college student who spends 14 days working on a farm where the horses are naked humans wearing horse masks. The experience is presented in monochrome with live-action full-motion video segments. Despite the platform bans, the game has earned a 4.3-star rating from about 800 reviews on GOG.com and won the 'Nuovo Award' at the 2026 Independent Games Festival Awards for innovative works. It was also nominated for the Seumas McNally Grand Prize. The Japanese translation is handled by Rabumu, who previously translated 'Mediterranea Inferno' and 'CLeM.'
The Japanese translation was handled by Rabumu, also known as LoveMoo, who previously translated "Mediterranea Inferno," "CLeM," and "Milky Way Prince (New Translation)." The update goes live at 22:00 JST on June 16.
The game is a first-person horror adventure. The player character, a college student, spends summer vacation helping on a farm run by a friendly uncle. The daily tasks involve caring for horses, but the horses are naked humans wearing horse masks. Over 14 days, the player encounters events that test obedience, cooperation, and self-control.
The game uses monochrome graphics and live-action full-motion video. TV screens and watering scenes appear as live-action footage, adding a sense of reality. The horror is described as a gradual erosion of the mind rather than jump scares or extreme depictions.
Santa Ragione announced on November 26 that Steam would not distribute the game. On the Epic Games Store, Epic notified the developer 24 hours before the December 3 release that it violated guidelines. The game is available on GOG.com, itch.io, and the Humble Store for $4.99 (approximately 700 yen).
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.