'Slavery Simulator' Game Removed By Google Amid Outrage In Brazil

After sparking controversy in Brazil, Google withdrew the very controversial game Slavery Simulator from its app store.

On Apr. 20, Magnus Games released the app, which let users "buy and sell" black figures.

Before it was deleted on Wednesday, the game had been downloaded more than a thousand times.

Brazil, a nation where slavery was only abolished in 1888, is still grappling with its legacy.

The developer boasted in a description of the game that users could "exchange, buy and sell slaves." It also allowed players to inflict various forms of torture on black characters.

According to images of the game, users were offered a choice to either liberate the enslaved characters or "use slaves for your own enrichment. Prevent the abolition of slavery and accumulate wealth".

At the time of its removal, the game had a rating of four out of five stars. It had one review reading: "Great game to pass the time. But I think it lacked more torture options."

"Blatant racism," tweeted Renata Souza, a black activist and regional politician from Rio de Janeiro.

"The image illustrating the game has a white man surrounded by black men. It is absurdly violent. Google and the developer must answer for this crime of hatred and racism."

Brazilians on social media were incensed by the game, and some well-known politicians pushed regulators to hold digital corporations to a higher standard.

Also on Twitter, PT legislator Denise Pessoa stated: "IT IS ABSURD that a game that spreads cruelty and hate speech against black people is available. Our country was built with the blood of the black population. People were killed, tortured. A 'Slavery Simulator' is no joke."

According to local media, the Public Prosecutor's office in Brazil announced that it has started an inquiry into how the game, Simulador de Escravido in Portuguese, was permitted to be included on the Google Play Store.

a Google spokesperson said that the Play Store does not allow "apps that promote violence or incite hatred against individuals or groups based on race or ethnic origin, or that depict or promote gratuitous violence or other dangerous activities".

"When violations are found, we take appropriate action," it added.

Magnus Games did not respond to a BBC request for comment, but in its description of the game the company said it was "created solely for entertainment purposes. Our studio condemns slavery in any form.

"All game content is fictional and not tied to specific historical events. All coincidences are accidental."

In the meanwhile, Google and Brazil's Ministry for Racial Equality announced that they will meet to discuss "anti-racist content moderation" rules. It further stated that legal action will be taken against the creators.

Over the course of Brazil's history, more than four million slaves were transported there. Of the 3.5 million inhabitants of the nation in 1822, 1.5 million were slaves.