Philippines bans Gorebox gaming app after high school shooting

June 25, 2026 - 11:03

The Philippines has officially banned the mobile game Gorebox from the Google Play Store after a tragic shooting at a high school in the country. The game, which is described on its store page as a place where "creativity meets unrestrained destruction," allows players to build environments and then demolish them using a variety of weapons and explosives. Authorities linked the violent gameplay to the mindset of the suspect in the recent school shooting, which left several students dead and others wounded.

The National Telecommunications Commission issued the ban, ordering internet service providers to block access to the app. Law enforcement officials stated that the suspect had been an avid player of Gorebox and had recreated the school layout within the game before carrying out the attack. The game's sandbox style, which encourages players to experiment with destruction, has drawn criticism from parents and educators who argue it desensitizes young users to real-world violence.

Google has since removed the app from its Philippine storefront, though it remains available in other regions. The ban has sparked a wider debate in the country about regulating violent content in mobile games. Some lawmakers are now pushing for stricter age verification systems and content ratings for apps targeting minors. The incident has also prompted schools to review their security protocols and mental health support for students.