A mobile game about trading and torturing fictional black slaves has emerged in Brazil and caused a stir. After some controversy, the game was eventually removed.
According to CNN and BBC on the 25th local time, a game titled "Slavery Simulator" was released on the Google Play Store in Brazil on the 20th of last month.
The game revolves around the user choosing between a 'tyrant' and a 'liberator' and then exchanging and trading virtual slaves.
The slave in the game is a black man, with chains around his neck, wrists, and ankles, waiting for the user's 'command'.
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The game, which was downloaded more than 1,000 times before being removed from the Play Store, was rated 5 out of 4, with reviews such as "Lack of torture options".
Not only local fans, but also politicians and human rights activists have been vocal in their criticism of the game.
However, the production company, Magnus Games, said that the game was made for "entertainment" purposes, saying, "We oppose slavery in any form. All game content is fictional and has nothing to do with historical events."
Google, which removed the game on Dec. 24 after the controversy, said in a statement that "we do not allow apps that promote violence or incite hatred against individuals or groups based on race or ethnicity," and that "we will take appropriate action if we find any violations of our policies."
Brazil, on the other hand, was the last country to allow the slave trade, and slavery was abolished only in 1888. From the mid-1500s to the late 1800s, four million Africans were documented to have crossed into Brazil and exploited on sugar and coffee plantations.
(Photo = CNN BRASIL, captured by Simulador de Escravidao)