'This is not a game': Survivors disgusted by scam centre simulator games

May 2, 2026 - 18:56

Survivors of scam centre captivity are speaking out against a new wave of video games that simulate life inside these criminal compounds. The games, which allow players to role-play as scammers or victims, have been condemned as exploitative and deeply insulting by those who lived through the real horrors.

"This is not a game," said one survivor, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons. "People were beaten, starved, and trafficked. Turning that into a fun simulation is disgusting." The games often feature cartoonish graphics and lighthearted mechanics, trivialising the severe abuse that takes place in these illegal operations across Southeast Asia.

One game developer defended his work, stating he hopes players simply find it "fun." He argued that the game is a parody and not meant to glorify real suffering. However, critics say the timing is tone-deaf, as international authorities continue to raid compounds and rescue victims.

Human rights groups have called for a boycott, urging gamers to consider the real people behind the headlines. "These games profit off trauma," said a spokesperson for an anti-trafficking organisation. "They reduce a humanitarian crisis to a punchline."

As the debate rages online, survivors say the games reopen wounds. They are asking creators to show empathy and to stop treating their worst experiences as content for entertainment.