The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has announced a temporary ban on the violent video game 'GoreBox' following a school shooting in Tacloban City. This decision aims to address growing concerns about the game's influence on young players.
'GoreBox,' developed by Felix Filip of F2 Games, is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and Android. The game allows players to engage in violent simulations, leading to its R18+ rating due to graphic content.
Details of the Ban
The CICC's announcement on June 23 did not specify how long the ban would last. This action follows reports that one of the underage suspects involved in the Tacloban shooting had played 'GoreBox' prior to the incident.
'Over the past months, exploiters, bot raids, and security vulnerabilities forced us to shift our entire development focus away from content and bug fixes toward keeping multiplayer functional and secure.'
F2 Games
Originally released on Steam on July 22, 2023, 'GoreBox' is free on Android but costs P304.95 on Steam. The game was designed as a sandbox experience where players can creatively engage in destruction, utilizing various weapons and explosives.
Community Concerns
The game's community has come under scrutiny, particularly in light of the recent tragedy. With over 205,000 members on its Discord server and approximately 14,000 on its Steam hub, discussions have arisen regarding whether the game's content contributed to the violence.
While the game provides an outlet for creativity, the potential for it to influence vulnerable players raises important questions. The CICC's swift action reflects a growing trend among regulators worldwide to scrutinize video games linked to real-life violence.
As authorities continue to investigate the Tacloban shooting, the implications of this ban extend beyond 'GoreBox' itself, highlighting the need for closer examination of gaming culture and its impact on youth.