TECH & GAMING
Advocates Philippines
Google, Steam Restrict Access To GoreBox In PH Following Government Request
Steam File Photo
The Philippine government has confirmed that the violent video game GoreBox is now inaccessible on both the Google Play Store and Steam in the country, following a request to restrict its availability amid concerns over children's exposure to violent online content.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) said it verified that Filipino users can no longer download the game through the two major digital platforms. Authorities also noted that some players who had previously installed GoreBox reported that the game no longer functions properly, with many unable to get past the loading screen after the nationwide restriction took effect.
The move was welcomed by Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, who thanked Google for acting on the government's request.
According to Aguda, the restriction is a significant step toward creating a safer online environment, particularly for minors who could have been exposed to the game's graphic and violent content. He also said the development highlights how cooperation between government agencies and technology companies can lead to swift action against emerging digital threats.
The CICC's Threat Monitoring Center confirmed that the restriction prevents users in the Philippines from downloading GoreBox and has also affected access for some existing users.
Earlier this week, officials from the DICT and the CICC met with representatives from Google Philippines and Google LLC to reiterate their appeal for a nationwide restriction. The government maintained that the game should remain blocked until stronger safeguards are in place to prevent minors from bypassing age restrictions.
Steam had already taken similar action by temporarily restricting access to GoreBox across the Philippines, with both platforms now complying with the government's request.
The issue gained urgency after authorities linked the game to the investigation into the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where three students were killed and several others were injured. Police investigators found that one of the two teenage suspects was an avid player of the R-18 sandbox game developed by F2Games.
CICC Deputy Executive Director Alvin Navarro welcomed Steam's decision, saying it reflects the growing responsibility of digital platforms to implement stronger safeguards against potentially harmful content, especially for young users.
During discussions with Google, the CICC also emphasized the company's role in promoting digital safety, particularly in light of concerns that repeated exposure to violent games may have influenced one of the suspects in the Tacloban tragedy.
Representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Council for the Welfare of Children also joined the meeting, underscoring the government's coordinated effort to strengthen online child protection.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) said it verified that Filipino users can no longer download the game through the two major digital platforms. Authorities also noted that some players who had previously installed GoreBox reported that the game no longer functions properly, with many unable to get past the loading screen after the nationwide restriction took effect.
The move was welcomed by Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, who thanked Google for acting on the government's request.
According to Aguda, the restriction is a significant step toward creating a safer online environment, particularly for minors who could have been exposed to the game's graphic and violent content. He also said the development highlights how cooperation between government agencies and technology companies can lead to swift action against emerging digital threats.
The CICC's Threat Monitoring Center confirmed that the restriction prevents users in the Philippines from downloading GoreBox and has also affected access for some existing users.
Earlier this week, officials from the DICT and the CICC met with representatives from Google Philippines and Google LLC to reiterate their appeal for a nationwide restriction. The government maintained that the game should remain blocked until stronger safeguards are in place to prevent minors from bypassing age restrictions.
Steam had already taken similar action by temporarily restricting access to GoreBox across the Philippines, with both platforms now complying with the government's request.
The issue gained urgency after authorities linked the game to the investigation into the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where three students were killed and several others were injured. Police investigators found that one of the two teenage suspects was an avid player of the R-18 sandbox game developed by F2Games.
CICC Deputy Executive Director Alvin Navarro welcomed Steam's decision, saying it reflects the growing responsibility of digital platforms to implement stronger safeguards against potentially harmful content, especially for young users.
During discussions with Google, the CICC also emphasized the company's role in promoting digital safety, particularly in light of concerns that repeated exposure to violent games may have influenced one of the suspects in the Tacloban tragedy.
Representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Council for the Welfare of Children also joined the meeting, underscoring the government's coordinated effort to strengthen online child protection.
Jul 1, 2026
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