The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has confirmed that GoreBox is no longer accessible through the Google Play Store and Steam in the Philippines after both platforms complied with the government’s request to restrict the game nationwide. The move comes after concerns were raised over the game’s accessibility to minors following the recent school shooting in Tacloban City.
According to the CICC, users in the Philippines can no longer download the game through Google Play or Steam. The agency also said that some players reported the game becoming unresponsive, even on devices where it had already been installed before the restriction took effect.
The nationwide restriction follows a meeting between the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the CICC, and representatives from Google Philippines and Google LLC. During the discussion, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda asked Google to block access to the game until stronger age verification measures are in place.
Aguda welcomed Google’s decision, saying it supports the government’s efforts to create a safer online environment for children. He also said the move shows how cooperation between government agencies and technology companies can help address digital safety concerns.
Steam also implemented a similar restriction after the CICC raised concerns about the game’s availability to minors. Investigators earlier found that one of the teenage suspects involved in the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City was an avid GoreBox player.
The CICC said it will continue working with digital platforms and government agencies to strengthen online child safety and reduce access to content considered harmful to minors.
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