Brazil

Dating back to the arrival of the first Portuguese colonizers, Christian Catholicism has a significant influence on culture and national identity.

Although ubiquitous, they tend to be low-key and not very vocal about sensitivities. A Datafolha pool revealed 50% of Catholics consider themselves non-practioneers, people who identify themselves as Catholics but don't attended masses, don't contributes financially to the church and don't get involved with their religious communities (parish).

SENSITIVE POINTS: Although Catholics are not overly sensitive, anything that would ridicule/sexualize Christian symbols could become an issue, e.g. the holy trinity (Jesus, Mary and the Holy Ghost), saints, priests and nuns, the cross, the Pope, etc. Also, abortion is a big taboo, as well as referencing the pedophilia cases involving priests and member of the Vatican.

Evangelical is perhaps the most politically influent religions in modern day Brazil. More conservative than Catholics, they are quite vocal and organized, and have several representatives in all levels of the government.

Another important difference is the independency: unlike the Catholic, that have the Pope as maximum authority, Evangelical churches have inumerous individual branches, each one with their own leadership.

SENSITIVE POINTS: Abortion, recent policies about same sex marriage, basic sex education for kids in schools and transgender people's rights are huge controversial point among them.

In addition, there are concerns if they involvement in politics violates the secular State, and leaders of some branches were accused of quackery, religious exploitation, religious prejudice, fraud, and financial crimes.

Spiritism, also known as Kardecism, blends parts of Christian tenets and morality with the concept of cyclic reeincarnation (akin to Bhuddism's 轮回) and communication with spirits, the mediumship. Brazil corresponds to roughly a third of Spiritists worldwide. 

Spiritists are usually open-minded and not overly sensitive.

SENSITIVE POINTS: They will NOT be offended by content involving spirits, specially in Taoism/Buddhism/Shinto context, common in our games. 

The real risk is during translations: translators unfamiliar with the game context may render terms akin to spirit (灵魂, 精灵, 幽灵, 唤灵, 召魂, 召唤, 妖术, 通灵 and even 阴阳师) in the light of Spiritism or mediumship terminology. This will influence the audience's interpretation, will change with the original message and could become offensive/spark criticism. 

To avoid such mishaps, when these terms appear, make sure to add context in the file or ask for help from our Localization team.

Afro-Brazilian religions are a diverse set of spiritual practices that emerged from the blending of African traditions with indigenous beliefs and Christian influence. Candomblé, Umbanda, and Quimbanda are some of the most prominent Afro-Brazilian religions.

Afro-Brazilian religions historically suffer from prejudice and stereotypifcation. In 2023, many cases of temple depredation and attempted murder motivated by religious intolerance made into national news.

SENSITIVE POINTS: Do NOT portray African religion or culture as exotic, primitive or inferior. Do NOT imply African religion or culture is sorcery, evil magic or witchcraft. Is offensive to referr to certain Afro-Brazilian deities from Yoruba origin, like Yemanjá and Ogum as mythology.