Steam hosts Plantation Simulator video game that encourages players to whip Black characters

May 23, 2026 - 00:17

A controversial video game titled "Plantation Simulator" has appeared on the Steam digital storefront, drawing sharp criticism for allowing players to whip Black characters in a simulated plantation setting. The game, which has been live on the platform, puts players in the role of a plantation overseer who can physically punish enslaved figures. Critics argue the game trivializes the brutal history of slavery and reduces human suffering to a form of entertainment.

The developer behind the title has a history of publishing similarly provocative games. One previous release, called "Crucifier," also leaned into violent religious and racial themes. This track record has raised concerns about whether Steam's content moderation policies are adequate to filter out material that many consider hateful or exploitative.

Steam has not yet issued a public statement on whether the game violates its rules. The platform's guidelines generally prohibit "games that exploit or promote real-world violence or hatred," but enforcement has been inconsistent in the past. Advocacy groups are calling for the immediate removal of "Plantation Simulator," arguing that it crosses a clear ethical line by gamifying racial violence. As of now, the game remains available for download, and the debate over digital storefront responsibility continues to intensify.