Players are a loyal bunch. Some are dedicated to Fortnite. Some people love Minecraft. And all over the world, a few million are mainly interested in Roblox. Offering both intense multiplayer games and a sophisticated game creation tool, Roblox offers variety, creativity, competition, and socialization, largely for free. You can even make money with Roblox.
Roblox has the potential to be a learning tool similar to Minecraft, but it has its downsides. Since all of its content is user-generated, children can be exposed to a wide variety of materials. Much of it is age-appropriate for preteens and teens. Some are just plain annoying, like the ads and constant requests to buy “Robux”, Roblox’s in-game currency. And one fragment is very worrying, such as predatory behavior and forums of sexually explicit users. However, by paying particular attention to warning signs, privacy settings and other safety precautions, children can have a rich and exciting experience playing Roblox. But your understanding of how it works and how your children can use it safely is essential. Learn more about the pros and cons of this immersive, creative and powerful multiplayer gaming service.
How Roblox Earns
Roblox generates revenue through a combination of in-game purchases, advertising, and premium memberships. Users can purchase virtual items and currency to use in their games and virtual worlds, and targeted ads are displayed as they play and interact with the platform. Premium memberships give users access to additional content, discounts, and other benefits. Roblox has also made strategic acquisitions, such as the acquisitions of Loom.ai in 2020 and Guilded in 2021, which have helped the company further enhance its offerings and expand its reach in the digital entertainment industry.
One of the main ways Roblox makes money is through the sale of Robux, its virtual currency. Players can use Robux to purchase virtual items and premium content within Roblox games and virtual worlds. These purchases can range from small in-game items like hats and clothes to larger, more expensive items like game passes and access to exclusive virtual experiences.
Scams
Financial scams are a big problem on Roblox, with people regularly tricking children into handing over valuables for nothing in popular games like Adopt Me. Scammers use tactics such as asking to borrow items and not return them, pressuring kids to first hand over their items in an exchange and then disappear, and even pretending to be famous YouTubers to gain trust.
Beyond the sheer cost, high levels of in-app spending put a strain on children. The existence of “rare” objects creates inequalities and jealousies that can incentivize excessive spending. Children report feeling driven to keep up with peers’ avatars and buy gifts for others.
Top advice for parents
Our advice is the same no matter what gaming site your child is using, it’s important to have a conversation with your child about the sites they use and carry on an open discussion that will help them come to you with any concerns they may have. Involving your child in discussions and decisions about online safety and their use of the Internet will help them understand why it is important for them to stay safe and enjoy themselves online. He will also help educate them on how they can stay safe online and know what to do if something goes wrong.
- Stay engaged and have regular conversations Show interest in the games your children play. This could be through a conversation about what they like to play or it could be by watching them play. You might even try playing it yourself! If children know that you are interested in play, they may feel more comfortable talking to you about it or asking for help if they need it.
- Help them understand the importance of personal information Make sure your child understands the importance of keeping their personal information safe and speak to an adult immediately if the chat goes from being in the game to meeting offline, to personal information or sending pictures.
- Set rules for spending money on games Talk to your child to make sure they understand that real money can be spent on games. Do you make promises that work for your family, will your child have to ask before making an in-game purchase? If you’d like more help crafting these promises for your family’s Internet use, please refer to our family agreement.
- Encourage them to tell you about their concerns Remind your child that he should come to you if he sees an inappropriate game or content, if he sees bad comments or if something bothers him in the game. If you know how to report this type of content within Roblox, you will be in the best position to help them if they need it.
- Use available security features