'It’s pretty sad and pathetic that a game with difficult content can’t get on the larger marketplaces:' Despite creeping censorship on Steam and Epic, these devs are fighting to make a transgressive stop-motion horror game
PC Gamer
by Ted Litchfield February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Indie developers Talha & Jack Co are grappling with the challenges of creating a mature horror game in today's climate of increasing censorship on major gaming platforms. Their upcoming project, *Abide*, features disturbing themes and unsettling imagery, making it particularly vulnerable to rejection by platforms like Steam and Epic. The recent removal of *Horses*, another indie horror game, from these marketplaces highlights the growing issue of content restrictions in the gaming industry. Talha & Jack Co believe that such censorship stifles creativity and limits player exposure to diverse storytelling.
The developers express frustration over what they perceive as arbitrary decisions by platform curators. They argue that games like *Horses* should remain available despite containing challenging content, as long as it aligns with stated guidelines. Talha & Jack Co emphasize that mature themes in gaming do not necessarily equate to pornography or inappropriate material, and that censorship often reflects broader societal discomfort with difficult subjects. They also critique the notion that games are solely for entertainment, suggesting that this mindset may be limiting the medium's potential for deeper exploration.
The duo's Kickstarter campaign for *Abide* is nearing its final stretch, aiming to bring their unique stop-motion horror experience to fruition. Their work stands as a testament to the importance of pushing creative boundaries in gaming. As censorship continues to loom over indie developers, Talha & Jack Co are determined to challenge these norms and provide players with thought-provoking experiences that might otherwise go unexplored.
The broader implications of this issue resonate deeply within the gaming community. Advocates argue that censorship not only restricts artistic freedom but also deprives players of diverse perspectives. Games like *Abide* and *Horses* offer opportunities to engage with uncomfortable topics, fostering meaningful discussions about societal issues. The debate over censorship in gaming
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/22/2026