Google removes controversial 'Slavery Simulator' game which allowed players to 'buy and sell' black characters – but only after it was downloaded more than 1,000 times
- Brazilian figures took to social media to denounce the offensive mobile game
- Game allows players to 'buy and sell' and even inflict torture on black characters
- It follows a report finding 'racist stereotypes' in the popular FIFA football game
UPDATED: 05:42 EDT, 26 May 2023
Google has finally removed a controversial mobile game that allowed players to buy, sell and even inflict torture on black characters.
Called 'Simulador de Escravidão' (or 'Slavery Simulator'), the Android game for 'all ages' was created by Malaysian games developer Magnus Games.
It was released to Google's Play Store on April 20 and downloaded more than 1,000 times before it was removed on Wednesday following uproar on social media.
But it still remains available to people who have already downloaded it, according to Brazilian daily newspaper Folha de S Paulo.
It follows claims that the hugely popular FIFA football video game perpetuates racist myths and stereotypes about black people.
According to Souza, some of the comments on the app store about the game were 'great to pass the time, lack more torture options', and 'I would like to do it in real life'.
Another comment said: 'I have a black friend and it was cool to play co-op with him.'
Bruno Cândido, a black lawyer based in Rio de Janeiro, posted disturbing screenshots of the game to Twitter, one of which showed a black man in shackles.
Cândido said: 'At any time your black child could come across a game in which they are reduced to enslavement, and if your child is white, they will be taught through recreational racism to become an enslaver in real life.'
Meanwhile, Quilombo Periférico, a collective mandate of black city councillors in São Paulo, said: 'Racism is not entertainment, it's a crime!'
Slavery Simulator had no age classification, so it's possible that even children are still playing it after its removal.
Brazil's Public Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation into why the game was made available on the Play Store, according to CNN.
Prosecutors requested 'specific information about the game' from Google, while highlighting the 'great number of racist comments' from users.
Regarding the issue, a Google spokesperson told MailOnline: 'The mentioned apps have been removed from Play.
Google removes controversial 'Slavery Simulator' game
Called 'Simulador de Escravidão' (or 'Slavery Simulator'), the Android game for 'all ages' was created by Malaysian games developer Magnus Games.
Google removes 'Slavery Simulator' game amid outrage in Brazil
The app, which allowed players to "buy and sell" black characters, was launched last month.
www.bbc.com
I know...another topic to be outraged about. But in a way, the irrational and constant hatred towards Black people really just makes me feel like we are truly destined for something special in the future of human civilization.
