Game Announcement Roundup: Here are 6 New and Upcoming Horse Games to have a Look at
I’ll admit it, I’m always excited when I see new horse games. Yes, in the end quality matters more than quantity, but I still love to hear about every single new project. In an ideal world, I’d write thorough reviews and interview the developers for each of these. In reality, I have to prioritize which games I tackle in detail.
So today, let’s have a brief look at a handful of games that were announced or released recently: I may not be able to try them all out or research them in depth, but I can at the very least tell you that they exist, and maybe some of TMQ’s readers want to take a closer look at these new projects. While I’m at it, I’ve included two additional games that just happen to feature horses at the bottom.
Remember that if you have any interest in these games at all, it makes a lot of sense to add them to your wishlist on Steam! It doesn’t cost you anything, but it helps the developer gauge interest and gain visibility in the store.
Equire
Equire was initially announced on May 14th 2024 and has – based on the very limited views and followers on its social media accounts – mostly flown under the radar of the horse game audience so far.
The Steam page promises building and managing a horse ranch, including horse breeding, building and exploration.
A statement on the game’s Discord reveals that developer NobleCourt is in fact a young German solo developer whose mother and girlfriend are passionate horse people. Horse Life, My Horse and Me 2 and The Sims are listed as inspirations for different aspects of Equire.
Links: Linktree | Steam Page | Discord Invite
My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery
Differing from the various indie and solo projects on this list, My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery is a traditionally published game, developed by Drakhar Studios and distributed by Outright Games Ltd. – a publisher that attentive TMQ readers might recognize from DreamWorks Spirit: Lucky’s Big Adventure.
My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery was released on Steam and every currently relevant console on May 17th 2024.
My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery is not a “typical” horse games in that you play as the titular little ponies, and the gameplay is more about 3D-platforming than any sort of equestrian activity. Personally, I don’t really get my horse itch scratched by the MPL-designs, but if you’re looking for a kid-friendly and colorful equine experience, this may well be worth a look.
Links: Steam Page | Game Website (includes links to console stores)
Jousting Manager
Jousting Manager was first announced in December 2023 and is a four year solo dev project by OUROBOROSSTUDIO. On Reddit, the creator names Football Manager and Motorsport Manager as inspirations… but of course with a medieval twist! If you’re into that type of “spreadsheet game” (affectionate), also make sure to have a look at my announcement for Horse Racing Manager from earlier this year.
The Steam page promises money and fame as key in-game resources and teases archery competitions and more in addition to the jousting itself.
The game is scheduled to release at the end of July 2024 and has a free demo available that you can try for yourself via Steam!
Links: Steam Page (with free demo!) | Discord Server
Sulky Manager
Sulky Manager is a simulation game about harness racing and management. Based on the available information, the game leans more into the sports and strategy genres, but with the feature list promising foals and horses with individual traits and the trailer showing horses in their pastures, there may well be enough appeal here for us horse lovers.
The game was initially announced in October 2022 with few updates since, but the developer is active in the game’s steam forums, and is apparently looking to hire people to help out in 3D Art and Social Media Marketing. A release date hasn’t been announced so far.
Developer Equilon is also behind an already released game called Glory Horse Racing, as well as the upcoming Gallop Champion. Mixed reviews for one project, AI-generated imagery for another and typos in the steam description don’t exactly fill me with a lot of confidence for Sulky Manager, but it’s not like we have a wealth of other harness racing games that directly compete with this.
Links: Steam Page
Rising Star - The Horse Game
Rising Star is a 2D horse care simulator game set in an equestrian academy in Tuscany. It features lovely pixel art for its horses and includes jumping sequences that remind me of my beloved My Horse Farm, as well as cute horse care minigames such as preparing treats and cleaning stalls.
Solo creator GabusArt is developing Rising Star next to a full time job and has had to deal with some health issues, which has led to various delays in the game’s schedule. Updates are a bit scarce, but GabusArt has confirmed in March 2024 that they’re still hard at work and aiming to finish the game eventually, though a release date is currently unknown.
Links: Steam Page | Creator’s Linktree | Discord Server
StableBound
StableBound is an open world and exploration game where you play as a horse, rather than as a rider – a twist I know many people in the community want to see more of. Despite the lack of riders however, StableBound will still feature stable care and grooming as well as competitions in different equestrian disciplines.
Notably, StableBound is coming from an artist that has previously worked on Horse Isle 2. Unlike any of the Horse Isle games though, StableBound is set to be a single player game. The game combines 2D and 3D elements and is currently estimated to be released in early 2025.
Links: Steam Page | Discord Server | Patreon
Elements
Elements is a third person open world fantasy adventure game. It is not about horses, but its creators have recently shared a first look at equine mounts in the game via Twitter, and I find it pretty enough to include it here. The game was successfully kickstarted last year and promises elemental magic combat, homestead building and local co-op.
Since the devs are sharing WIP material on Twitter and actively asking for feedback for the horse mounts specifically, this is also a wonderful opportunity for us horse nerds to get involved and show our enthusiasm and help someone get horses right.
Links: Steam Page | Discord Invite
Pasture: The Livestock Simulator
Pasture: The Lifestock Simulator is an action-oriented farming simulation game set in the Australian Outback featuring a variety of vehicles as well as horseback riding. Breeding and genetics are promised to be part of the experience, but it’s currently unclear whether that only applies to the bovine livestock or extends to horses.
TMQ Community member Bee has tried the playtest and is generally impressed by it, but the horses do use the ever-present and unfortunately flawed Horse Animset Pro.
Links: Steam Page (includes link to request playtest access!)
