Google removed a game titled slavery simulator from its App Store following a backlash from users in Brazil.
The app—developed by Malaysian mobile game company Magnus Games—allows players to pretend to be slave owners, with the developer boasting the game gives users the chance to “exchange, buy, and sell slaves.” Is. Players were also reportedly able to torture black characters within the game.
It was removed from Google’s Play Store on Wednesday.
Local media reported that in the month between its addition and removal from Google’s Play Store, the game had been downloaded over 1,000 times. Several Google Play users reportedly complained about the game’s content in reviews on the App Store.
A Google Play Permit “Escravidao Simulator” That You Can Use For Your Use
An existence and the status of a “jogo” is common usually for the promotion or encouragement of crime, vendor and escort pesoas escaravizadas and criminoso. @Google Play pic.twitter.com/N7RcyYww08
– Africanize (@africanize_) May 24, 2023
《Amidst discussions about racism, as of this Wednesday (the 24th), there was a game called ‘Slavery Simulator” in Google’s App Store. The game simulates black people who can be penalized throughout matches.
The app went offline this afternoon.》https://t.co/g5hOWTtDtt— Michele Prado (@MichelePradoBa) May 24, 2023
Spokespeople for Magnus Games and Google were not immediately available for comment when contacted. Luck,
However, Google told the BBC in a statement that the Play Store “does not allow apps that promote violence or incite hatred against individuals or groups on the basis of race or ethnic origin, or that promote violence or other depict or promote dangerous activities.”
“When violations are found, we take appropriate action,” the company said.
Said in the description of Magnus Games slavery simulator that the company “condemns slavery in any form” and that the game was “made for entertainment purposes only.”
Brazilian MP Orlando Silva said in a tweet On Thursday that he had submitted a request to the country’s public prosecutor’s office to launch an investigation into the game and what he described as “a deplorable case of racism”.
“We cannot naturalize barbarism,” he wrote.
Local media reported that the Public Prosecutor’s Office has begun an investigation into how the game was allowed to be sold to users through the Google Play Store.
Silva wasn’t the only legislator to publicly lash out at the game. Racial equality activist and politician Renata Souza said in a tweet on Thursday that the game was proof that more internet regulation was needed.
“Google demonstrates its lack of commitment to condemning human rights violations and allows this type of content to be allocated on its platform,” she said. “We cannot allow big tech companies to take advantage of freedom of expression to promote hate crimes. Profit cannot be above life!
His comments come after Brazil’s Ministry of Racial Equality released a statement slavery simulator The government department of sport, on Wednesday, said it had scheduled a meeting with Google to discuss its responsibilities when it comes to moderating racist content.
Slavery in Brazil lasted for more than 300 years, with approximately 4 million Africans imported into the country. According to historian Emilia Viotti da Costa, more than 40% of the slaves brought from Africa to the New World ended up in Brazil.
