Brazilian game of buying and selling enslaved people is removed from Google Play after controversy
The game allowing users to buy and sell enslaved people was removed from the Google Play store on Wednesday after sparking outrage and horror.
Photo Reproduction / Google App Store
On Wednesday (24), the game entitled "Slavery Simulator", which allows users to buy and sell enslaved people, was removed from Google Play online store. The development team responsible for this game claimed to offer users the opportunity to become owners of enslaved people, simulating historical purchase and sale transactions of black individuals. However, the game's description generated criticism and outrage, with many users and human rights organizations denouncing the normalization and trivialization of violence and human exploitation, as well as incitement to racism.
The game
The Application was launched on April 20th of this year with no age rating, that is, according to the information provided by Google on its website, the classification assigned to this category for Brazil indicated that the content was appropriate for all age groups. It had already been downloaded more than a thousand times and received several positive comments, all in Portuguese. During the period in which it was available, the game obtained a rating of 4 stars out of 5, accompanied by praise and suggestions from Brazilian players who appreciated the content. Some of the comments described him as:
Great game to pass the time. But it lacks more torture options. They could install the option to flog the slave as well. But other than that, the game is perfect!
Very good indeed, it portrays well what I would like to do in real life.
Photo Reproduction / Slavery Simulator Game
In the game, users had the ability to participate in activities related to "trading, buying and selling fictional black characters", similar to slaves, and also provided means of applying torture methods to these characters. One of the available modalities involves describing ways of using slaves for personal enrichment, seeking to avoid the abolition of slavery and accumulating a certain amount of money.
“Choose one of two objectives at the start of the slave owner simulator: the Path of the Tyrant or the Path of the Liberator. Become a wealthy slave owner or achieve the abolition of slavery. Everything is in your hands”, a description that appeared on one of the screens of the game.
The company that developed the game
The application developer, Magnus Games, declared that the game had the sole purpose of entertainment, explaining to users that it condemned slavery and that it had no connection with historical events. “Our studio condemns slavery in any form. All the content of the game is fictional and not tied to historical events specific. All coincidences are accidental”, read one of the game's screen notifications,
Repercussion
Authorities also manifested themselves in the face of criticism on social networks regarding the availability of the application on the google platform. "Urgent and shocking," said Rep. Orlando Silva (PCdoB-SP), rapporteur for the bill that intends to regulate Big Techs and hold them accountable for crimes committed on their platforms. He still classified the game as "criminal" and stated that he will file representation.
"We will file a representation with the Public Ministry for the crime of RACISM and we will take the case to the last consequences, preferably the arrest of those responsible. The very existence of something so bizarre available on the platforms shows the URGENCY of regulation of the digital environment", said the reporter.
The Ministry of Racial Equality of Brazil informed that it established contact with the developer and the Google team, aiming to collaborate with them in the implementation of measures to combat racist content on the internet. The ministry stated that those involved in the production of this material will be held legally responsible.
Historic
Racism remains an ongoing challenge in Brazil as the country seeks to address the historical consequences of slavery. During the period when slavery was legalized, Brazil imported the largest number of enslaved Africans from the Americas, totaling approximately 4 million people. Furthermore, the country was the last in the region to officially abolish slavery, which occurred in 1888.
Although the game has since been pulled from Google Play, the controversy surrounding the game raises bigger questions about the need for greater controls and accountability of gaming platforms. Recently, there has been criticism directed at technology companies in Brazil, including Google, due to the lack of moderation of content that promotes racism and other forms of violence. In this context, the Brazilian Congress is considering a legislative proposal that would make social media companies and technology platforms responsible for identifying and eliminating criminal and dangerous content.
