The Philippines has taken a drastic step in response to last week's tragic school shooting, which claimed three lives and injured 20 others: blocking access to GoreBox, an online gaming app that some fear may have contributed to the violence. The temporary ban comes as authorities investigate whether the app, known for its graphic content and realistic gore, played any role in the actions of the two teenagers accused of carrying out the attack at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
GoreBox, developed by F2 Games in 2023, boasts over 10 million downloads worldwide and carries an R18+ rating from the International Age Rating Coalition due to its extreme violence. The game's description on Google Play promises "brutal combat" and a "gore system that brings dismemberment to life," raising concerns about its suitability for young players. While investigations are ongoing, officials have acknowledged the need to assess whether online influences like GoreBox may have contributed to the suspects' actions.
While crimes involving firearms are common in the Philippines due to unlicensed weapons, school shootings are relatively rare. Initial interviews with police suggest that the 14 and 15-year-old suspects may have acted out of retribution after being bullied. The justice department is also exploring a possible link between the shooting and nihilistic violent extremism, characterised by extreme violence without an ideological framework.
The Philippines' human rights commission has expressed alarm over recent incidents of school violence, including two stabbing incidents at high schools in Cavite within the past week. This highlights broader concerns about student safety, prompting officials to take a closer look at online platforms that may be contributing to this trend. Notably, scientific studies have consistently found no credible link between video games and real-life violence, with one 2020 meta-analysis concluding that the long-term impacts of violent games on youth aggression are "near zero." Despite this, authorities remain committed to monitoring online spaces for potential risks to young users and implementing immediate interventions.
The Philippines' move is likely to be closely watched by other countries grappling with similar concerns about the impact of online gaming on youth behaviour. As policymakers seek solutions to these complex issues, the need for evidence-based decision-making has never been more pressing. In this case, officials are taking a cautious approach to ensure that young users are protected from potential harm.