CICC gets ‘GoreBox’ blocked on Steam, Google Play Store

A popular video game titled *GoreBox* has been removed from two major digital platforms in the Philippines following concerns over its potential impact on minors. The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), a division under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), confirmed that the game is now inaccessible on both Steam, a leading PC gaming platform, and the Google Play Store, which hosts mobile applications. This decision came after discussions with representatives from Google Philippines and Google LLC, aimed at restricting access to the game within the country until appropriate safeguards were in place to prevent underage users from accessing it.

Users attempting to search for *GoreBox* on either platform will find no results, and direct attempts to access the game's page result in error messages. According to the CICC, these changes effectively prevent new downloads of the game and cause existing installations to become unresponsive past the loading screen once the restrictions are applied. The move follows reports indicating that one of the individuals involved in the tragic Tacloban shooting incident had been playing *GoreBox*, a game classified as R18+, meaning it is intended for adults only due to its graphic content.

The CICC stated that the decision to block the game was made in response to concerns about the potential influence of violent media on minors. In a public statement, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda expressed support for Google’s cooperation with the Philippine government in creating a safer digital space for children. He emphasized that the restriction ensures minors are less likely to encounter violent content that might affect their behavior or mental health.

Alvin Navarro, the deputy executive director of the CICC, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of collaboration between technology companies and government agencies to address emerging challenges in the digital landscape. He noted that the actions taken by both Steam and Google demonstrate a recognition of the need to implement stricter safety protocols to protect young users from potentially harmful content.

The removal of *GoreBox* from these platforms marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to regulate digital content accessible to minors. While the game remains available outside the Philippines, local users are now unable to access it through the most common distribution channels. This measure reflects broader concerns about the role of violent media in influencing youth behavior, particularly in light of recent incidents involving minors and acts of violence.

As the situation develops, further actions may be considered depending on how effective these restrictions prove to be in preventing underage access. The CICC and other relevant authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that any necessary adjustments are made to maintain a secure and responsible digital environment for all users.