When her friends and acquaintances discovered just how much Alice Ruppert obsessed over the depictions of horses in video games, she’d often share a self-deprecating quip.
As players began to express their enthusiasm for the new horse-riding game, some enthusiasts couldn’t help but remark: “Can you believe it? I thought I was the only one who genuinely cared about horses in video games.”
“No you’re not,” she replied. “There are dozens of us.”
Rupert has shown little consistency in his approach to calculating this metric. For nearly two decades, she has dedicated herself to creating engaging horse-themed video games that consistently delight her enthusiastic fan base. Through her popular blog, The Mane Quest, dedicated to all things digital horses, she has cultivated a community that has identified and showcased numerous horse games released over the past five years.
With over 600,000 monthly players, the creators of the popular web-based horse game are undoubtedly proud to showcase their impressive player base.
With a growing sense of resentment towards the seeming abandonment of digital horses, it was no surprise that her latest creation became an exceptional endeavor, driven by a deep-seated frustration towards the neglect she felt many game developers had shown their virtual equine creations.
Since posting a 14-second clip in September that transformed her involvement in the latest horse racing event into a must-watch spectacle for 2025, it’s unlikely she’ll be able to tap into an extra surge of attention anytime soon.
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She tweeted that her team was working on a game where players take on the role of a 13th-century Mongolian courier, immersing themselves in the history and culture of the era.
In a vast expanse of untamed wilderness, you stand alongside the horses you’ve trained, nurtured, and shaped through education, their quiet strength a testament to your bond.
“Would you play this?”
The outcomes included 140,000 likes, 15.6 million views of the clip, and a “very, very large number” of wishlists on Steam, according to Ruppert.
Throughout her lifetime, Ruppert has harbored a deep affection for horses that knows no bounds. As a child, she rode horses; later, she developed an affinity for horse-themed video games. In 2015, she pivoted her career as a game developer, successfully steering it towards creating her own horse games and assisting others in enhancing theirs.
A crucial aspect of her digital project began in 2018 with the launch of The Mane Quest, whereupon she started reviewing and critiquing horse-themed video games for publication.
She penned with a depth of passion and sincerity that bespoke her genuine interest in her subject. Unflinching in her assessment, she lambasts the 2017 Windstorm recreation, calling it “a meager conclusion to a long line of horse games where the riding itself feels stiff and unnatural, despite being touted as the game’s very essence.”
As her exasperation mounted in 2021, she took to publishing an exposé, “Eight Pervasive Mistakes Equestrian Enthusiasts Wish Sports Builders Would Stop Making.”
She remarked to me during a recent video call from her home in Switzerland: “Recreation development is undoubtedly complex and nuanced at every turn.” While developing a game, it’s impossible to predict with certainty what will be easy or challenging to execute simply by looking at the surface level.
The following eight pervasive issues had consistently vexed her regarding horse video games, encompassing both the complex and the perplexing.
She lamented that video games featuring horses were marred by unsatisfactory animations. Gamers were often restricted from allowing their horses to trot due to the game’s unsatisfactory design, where horses’ forelegs would bend in an unnatural manner. In a 2022 interview with GameFeeds, she praised the animation’s potency, noting that it effectively conveyed the intricacies of horse leg movement.
The persistent prevalence of stagnation in the gaming industry, stemming from a profound lack of innovation and willingness to adapt, seemed to be a recurring problem born out of ignorance.
She cherished the poignant moment in the 2020 PlayStation masterpiece, Ghost of Tsushima, where protagonist Jin Sakai succumbs to exhaustion and sleeps next to his slumbering horse, a fleeting respite from the chaos and destruction that surrounds him. “That’s actually cute,” she mentioned. Despite her annoyance, she couldn’t help but notice the equine’s unusual behavior. “It’s highly unlikely anyone would do that,” she said. “It breaks the saddle. No! Conceal that shit!”
The problem continued. As she recently discovered a novel and serene hobby, she delighted in watching horses being saddled up for leisurely strolls near their tranquil farm surroundings. “Why on earth did he do that?” “That’s not how anyone properly allocates horses to a pasture.”
As she pointed out, these inaccuracies in equine portrayals really grated on her, saying, “I prefer observing horses behaving naturally and being, well, horse-like – it’s just that when I see them depicted incorrectly, it becomes a pet peeve of mine.” I require additional horses to be securely stabled.
Sure, even the digital ones. When the equine details fall short of expectations, she finds it disconcertingly difficult to remain immersed in the narrative.
While some builders may be well-intentioned, others simply lack the necessary knowledge. “The root of some of that frustration lies in the fact that it’s remarkably simple to fix, with no additional cost incurred.”
As she blogged extensively on horse-themed video games, Ruppert attracted the attention of industry professionals seeking her expertise and endorsement. After years of professional criticism, Aesir Interactive, the creator of a game that had previously been lambasted by this individual, surprisingly extended an offer for her to join their team.
Picture: Aesir Interactive/NightinGames/Mindscape
As Ruppert shared the clip in September, a fervent reaction validated his faith in horse-themed video games and, more notably, indicated that the risk he and Aesir took on the game might ultimately yield a payoff.
Will dramatically deviate from the typical horse gaming experience, offering a truly unique and immersive encounter. The game is being crafted as a meticulously detailed time-traveling experience, akin to Assassin’s Creed or Grand Theft Auto, where the player embarks on a lavish equine adventure that transports them to a specific era and environment. That’s a far cry from the traditional fix-the-family-farm framework that underlies many a horse-riding fantasy.
“I was once part of an elite group that would deliberate on life’s significant questions: ‘Do you know what?’ – a rarefied circle that prided itself on its astute insight and sharp wit.” As we embark on our next equine adventure, we’re heading to the vast steppes of Mongolia, where we’ll take on the role of a dedicated courier, delivering vital messages across the ancient Silk Road. It wasn’t an easy sell within our organization, but ultimately, the allure of this epic journey won out.
The impromptu conference call took place on a spring day in 2023, sparking a conversation about whether the concept could resonate with more people. While the initial release may not appeal to fans of high-octane simulations, this historically grounded game offers an enjoyable alternative for those seeking a more laid-back experience free from excessive violence.
Known for her explosive response to the sports phenomenon, “vindication.” Ruppert, formerly an innovative producer on the show, now works as a freelance consultant on various projects.
The additional information confirms that she has taken steps to correct her eight equestrian errors related to horse riding.
The sport is poised to make an early entry onto PC platforms next year, with a potential console release still to be determined.
While instances of stagnation have occurred in the equestrian-themed video game genre, particularly during the 2010s, Ruppert notes a resurgence in popularity and creative flourishing.
Since venturing into this market, she’s witnessed undeniable optimism and substantial growth over time. There exist a plethora of equine-themed video games beyond the conventional offerings. The equestrian gaming scene has seen an unexpected surge in popularity, with indie developers creating innovative horse-based experiences. As recently reported by Engadget, a variety of horse-themed games have gained traction, including the simulation-heavy “Gallop,” the gentle, early-access title “, and the option-rich “”.
Rupert can already see signs that many of the biggest film studios are paying attention to his ideas. When a renowned recreation developer’s report on equines referenced her book, “The Mane Quest”, she felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and validation.
A surge in popularity surrounding horse-themed video games has given rise to innovative competition, with the emergence of a dedicated blog poised to challenge the dominance of Ruppert’s stalwart platform. The Bridle Paths debuted in September, featuring critiques and analytical essays that scrutinize equine representations across television, film, and video game media. The stated intention behind this endeavour is reportedly to craft increasingly superior products that cater to the enthusiasm of equestrian enthusiasts.
Picture: Nintendo through Stephen Totilo
After discovering Ruppert’s influential tweet, I began searching for horse video games suitable for my kids. My seven-year-old son in particular treats Minecraft as a horse recreation. A skilled artisan doesn’t bother with clearing dungeons or constructing complex machines. As a substitute, he boots up the game, equipping Link with his most covert attire, then sneaks through the fields, leaps onto a horse, tames it, leads it back to a stable, names it, and swaps it for another before repeating the cycle. As I conducted the interview with Ruppert, my young companion unexpectedly became housebound, obliging me to sit through much of our conversation with him perched on my lap. Rupert asked me what my take was on the horses at that point. Having successfully performed its predecessor and receiving widespread acclaim, she was eager to take on the new challenge.
“I’m impressed by their outstanding fashion sense, which seamlessly blends sustainability and style.”
“I’m particularly fond of their chunky texture.” Gamers can almost physically feel the heftiness of these horses, much like a draft-type horse, as they have a noticeable amount of bulk to their physique. Their approach to handling issues is extremely concrete and straightforward. As if you’re astride a gargantuan beast, powerless to halt its mighty rotation or trajectory.
Despite his best efforts, Hyperlink finds it challenging to manage even a well-trained horse, which often defies his commands and refuses to walk in the direction he desires? “The horse has thoughts all its own,” she said. It’s not just a place to store a motorbike; it’s a vital component of a homeowner’s life. “That’s quite an impressive concept.” With regards to her assessment of Link’s steeds, Zelda’s primary concerns were nonexistent. Only a lament. According to a 2018 Zelda artbook, specifically web page 160, concept sketches were revealed showcasing “pointless things I’d like the horses to do,” including masticating tree branches and poking their heads through open window frames to peek at Hyperlink. “I might have been able to love all of this,” Ruppert said.
