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Overview
Roblox is an online game platform and game creation system launched in 2006 by Roblox Corporation, founded by David Baszucki and the late Erik Cassel. It allows users to create, share, and play user-generated 3D multiplayer games built using the proprietary Roblox engine and scripting language Lua. The platform has gained immense popularity among children and teenagers, particularly those aged 9–15.
Roblox operates more as a metaverse-style social and economic platform than a conventional video game. Developers, often independent users, can monetize their games through in-game purchases using the platform’s virtual currency, Robux, which can be exchanged for real-world money under certain conditions. This has created a creator economy that spans hobbyists, teenagers, and professional development studios.
As of 2025, Roblox boasts over 70 million daily active users across more than 180 countries, with widespread usage on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Xbox One. Its low barrier to entry for both players and developers, combined with robust social features (chat, friends, groups), has made it a central hub for digital interaction among youth.
However, Roblox’s open nature, young user base, and monetization model have also attracted scrutiny regarding child safety, exposure to inappropriate content, predatory behavior, and ineffective moderation at scale. Despite ongoing investment in safety and AI-based content filtering, concerns persist in media and academic research circles.
Roblox Corporation went public via a direct listing on the NYSE in March 2021 under the ticker symbol RBLX, with a reported market cap peaking above $45 billion. The company has since focused on expanding its reach into education, enterprise use cases, and immersive advertising, while navigating increasing regulatory scrutiny in both the U.S. and international jurisdictions.