|
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}
'''''Roblox''''' is a [[massively multiplayer online]] and [[game creation system]] platform that allows users to design their own games and play a wide variety of different types of games created by other users. The platform hosts [[social network game|social network]] games constructed of [[Lego]]-like virtual blocks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/roblox-a-virtual-world-of-lego-like-blocks/|title=Roblox: A virtual world of Lego-like blocks|last=Needleman|first=Rafe|date=14 June 2011|website=CNET|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129030951/https://www.cnet.com/news/roblox-a-virtual-world-of-lego-like-blocks/|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=29 February 2012}}</ref> As of September 2018, ''Roblox'' has over 70 million monthly active users.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/09/05/roblox-series-f/|title=Kids’ gaming platform Roblox raises $150M|last=Ha|first=Anthony|date=5 September 2018|website=TechCrunch|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181120030724/https://techcrunch.com/2018/09/05/roblox-series-f/|archive-date=20 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=6 September 2018}}</ref>
==Overview==
===''Roblox Studio''===
''Roblox'' is a [[Game creation system|game creation platform]] which allows players to create their own games using its proprietary engine, ''Roblox Studio''. Games are coded under a [[Object Oriented Programming|object oriented programming]] system utilizing the programming language [[Lua (programming language)|Lua]] to manipulate the environment of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/best-roblox-games|title=The best Roblox games|last=Shepherd|first=Harry|date=13 August 2018|website=PCGamesN|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129031549/https://www.pcgamesn.com/best-roblox-games|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=29 November 2018}}</ref> Users are able to create game passes, which are purchasable content through one-time purchases, as well as [[microtransaction]]s through developer products. Developers on the site exchange Robux earned from various products on their games into real world currency through the Developer Exchange system.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.softonic.com/articles/how-to-make-money-on-roblox|title=How to make money with DevEx on Roblox|date=5 January 2018|website=Softonic|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129031731/https://en.softonic.com/articles/how-to-make-money-on-roblox|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=24 April 2018}}</ref> A percentage of the revenue from purchases is split between the developer and ''Roblox''.<ref name="heavy">{{cite web|url=https://heavy.com/games/2017/07/roblox-youtube-free-download-corporation-baszucki-cassel-nerfmodder/|title=Roblox: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know|last=Fennimore|first=Jack|date=12 July 2017|website=Heavy.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129032712/https://heavy.com/games/2017/07/roblox-youtube-free-download-corporation-baszucki-cassel-nerfmodder/|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=29 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-14/roblox-unearths-92-million-to-challenge-microsoft-s-minecraft|title=Roblox Unearths $92 Million to Challenge Microsoft’s Minecraft|last=Cao|first=Jing|date=14 March 2017|website=Bloomberg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821093935/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-14/roblox-unearths-92-million-to-challenge-microsoft-s-minecraft|archive-date=21 August 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=6 February 2018}}</ref>
===Players===
''Roblox'' allows players to buy, sell, and create virtual items. Clothes can be bought by anyone but only players with a Builders Club membership can sell them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/07/17/roblox-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-online-game-your-children-are-obsessed-with-6779913/|title=Roblox: Everything you need to know about the online game your children are obsessed with|last=Phillips|first=Catherine|date=17 July 2017|website=Metro|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129201140/https://metro.co.uk/2017/07/17/roblox-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-online-game-your-children-are-obsessed-with-6779913/|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=6 February 2018}}</ref> Only ''Roblox'' administrators can sell accessories, body parts, gear, and packages under the official ''Roblox'' user account.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2017/05/17/tech-awards-2017-gaming-esports-roblox-virtual.html|title=Roblox lets users build their own virtual world|last=Procter|first=Richard|date=17 May 2017|website=San Francisco Business Times|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129201849/https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2017/05/17/tech-awards-2017-gaming-esports-roblox-virtual.html|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=6 February 2018}}</ref> Items with a limited status can only be sold on the catalog or traded with Builders Club.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geek.com/games/roblox-101-getting-started-with-robux-and-the-builders-club-1725962/|title=Roblox 101: Getting Started With ROBUX and The Builders Club|last=Jagneaux|first=David|date=15 December 2017|website=Geek.com|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129202401/https://www.geek.com/games/roblox-101-getting-started-with-robux-and-the-builders-club-1725962/|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=6 February 2018}}</ref>
Robux is the virtual currency in ''Roblox'' that allows players to buy various items. Players can obtain Robux through real life purchases, another player buying their items, or from earning daily Robux with a membership.<ref name="heavy"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geek.com/games/roblox-101-how-to-avoid-free-robux-scams-1725253/|title=Roblox 101: How To Avoid Free Robux Scams|last=Jagneaux|first=David|date=8 December 2017|website=Geek.com|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129210131/https://www.geek.com/games/roblox-101-how-to-avoid-free-robux-scams-1725253/|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=6 February 2018}}</ref>
===Events===
==Development==
The [[beta version]] of ''Roblox'' was created by co-founder David Baszucki in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=32789865|title=Company Overview of Roblox Corporation|website=Bloomberg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628220203/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=32789865|archive-date=28 June 2009|dead-url=no|access-date=15 September 2018}}</ref> Baszucki started testing the first demos that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inc.com/neil-c-hughes/how-this-user-generated-video-game-is-leading-the-way-with-innovation-and-vr.html|title=How This User-Generated Video Game Is Leading The Way With Innovation and VR|last=Hughes|first=Neil|date=15 July 2016|website=Inc.|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129215529/https://www.inc.com/neil-c-hughes/how-this-user-generated-video-game-is-leading-the-way-with-innovation-and-vr.html|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=10 January 2017}}</ref>
In March 2007, ''Roblox'' became compliant with [[COPPA]], with the addition of safe chat, a change that limited users under the age of thirteen to communicating by selecting predefined messages from a menu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kidscreen.com/2015/06/23/superawesome-and-roblox-join-forces-on-kid-safe-advertising/|title=SuperAwesome and Roblox join forces on kid-safe advertising|last=Dickson|first=Jeremy|date=23 June 2015|website=Kidscreen|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129222253/http://kidscreen.com/2015/06/23/superawesome-and-roblox-join-forces-on-kid-safe-advertising/|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=29 November 2018}}</ref> In August, ''Roblox'' added Builders Club, a premium membership, and applied server improvements.<ref>{{cite book|last=LaRouche|first=Brandon|date=31 March 2012|title=Basic ROBLOX Lua Programming|publisher=Double Trouble Studio|page=237|isbn=9780985451301}}</ref>
In December 2011, ''Roblox'' held their first Hack Week, an annual event where ''Roblox'' developers work on innovative outside-the-box ideas for new developments to present to the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/technology/article/Hackathons-move-beyond-Silicon-Valley-4085718.php|title=Hackathons move beyond Silicon Valley|last=Milian|first=Mark|date=2 December 2012|website=SFGate|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129232929/https://www.sfgate.com/technology/article/Hackathons-move-beyond-Silicon-Valley-4085718.php|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=9 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/technology/article/Lua-language-helps-kids-create-software-3828132.php|title=Lua language helps kids create software|date=31 August 2012|website=SFGate|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129233534/https://www.sfgate.com/technology/article/Lua-language-helps-kids-create-software-3828132.php|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=9 February 2017}}</ref>
On December 11, 2012, ''Roblox'' released an [[iOS]] version of the game platform.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/12/12/roblox-mobile-ipad-iphone-now/|title=Block-builder Roblox goes mobile in time for the holidays|last=Grubb|first=Jeff|date=12 December 2012|website=VentureBeat|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129233810/https://venturebeat.com/2012/12/12/roblox-mobile-ipad-iphone-now/|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=29 November 2018}}</ref>
On October 1st, 2013, ''Roblox'' released the Developer Exchange system, allowing developers to exchange Robux earned from their games into real world currency.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/06/06/roblox-is-gamings-quiet-giant-and-its-only-getting-bigger/|title=Roblox is gaming's quiet giant — and it's only getting bigger|last=Grubb|first=Jeff|date=6 June 2014|website=VentureBeat|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129235317/https://venturebeat.com/2014/06/06/roblox-is-gamings-quiet-giant-and-its-only-getting-bigger/|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=24 April 2018}}</ref>
On May 31, 2015, a feature called 'Smooth Terrain' was added, increasing the graphical fidelity of the terrain and changing the physics engine from a block-oriented style to a smoother and more realistic style.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/06/01/roblox-user-generated-world-moves-from-blocky-to-smooth-3d-terrain/|title=Roblox user-generated world moves from blocky terrain to smooth 3D|last=Takahashi|first=Dean|date=1 June 2015|website=VentureBeat|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129235824/https://venturebeat.com/2015/06/01/roblox-user-generated-world-moves-from-blocky-to-smooth-3d-terrain/|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=3 June 2015}}</ref> On November 20, ''Roblox'' was launched on Xbox One, with an initial selection of 15 games chosen by ''Roblox'' staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/09/24/roblox-comes-to-xbox-one/|title=Roblox comes to Xbox One, joins Minecraft in the growing player-made content space on consoles|last=Grubb|first=Jeff|date=24 September 2015|website=VentureBeat|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181130001239/https://venturebeat.com/2015/09/24/roblox-comes-to-xbox-one/|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=30 November 2018}}</ref> New ''Roblox'' games for this console will have to go through an approval process, and are subject to the [[Entertainment Software Ratings Board]] standards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/01/27/roblox-launches-on-xbox-one-with-15-player-created-games-watch-us-play-them/|title=Roblox launches on Xbox One with 15 player-created games — watch us play them|last=Grubb|first=Jeff|date=27 January 2016|website=VentureBeat|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181130001719/https://venturebeat.com/2016/01/27/roblox-launches-on-xbox-one-with-15-player-created-games-watch-us-play-them/|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=30 November 2018}}</ref>
In April 2016, ''Roblox'' launched ''Roblox VR'' for [[Oculus Rift]]. At the time of release, more than ten million games were available in 3D.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fortune.com/2016/04/15/roblox-vr-oculus-rift/|title=This Company Just Introduced 20 Million People to Oculus Rift|last=Gaudiosi|first=John|date=15 April 2016|website=Fortune|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181130002929/http://fortune.com/2016/04/15/roblox-vr-oculus-rift/|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=13 December 2016}}</ref> Around the same time period, the safe chat feature was removed and replaced by a system based on a [[whitelist]] with a set of acceptable words for users under 13 years old and on a [[blacklist]] for other users.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.esafety.gov.au/esafety-information/games-apps-and-social-networking/roblox|title=Roblox|website=Office of the eSafety Commissioner|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181130003250/https://www.esafety.gov.au/esafety-information/games-apps-and-social-networking/roblox|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=13 December 2016}}</ref> In June, the company launched a version compatible with [[Windows 10]]. While the game platform has had a PC presence since 2004 with its web version, this is the first time it was upgraded with a standalone launcher built for Windows.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/06/10/after-xbox-one-success-roblox-now-has-a-dedicated-windows-10-app/|title=After Xbox One success, Roblox now has a dedicated Windows 10 app|last=Grubb|first=Jeff|date=10 June 2016|website=VentureBeat|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181130003633/https://venturebeat.com/2016/06/10/after-xbox-one-success-roblox-now-has-a-dedicated-windows-10-app/|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=30 November 2018}}</ref>
==Reception and revenue==
During the 2017 Roblox Developers Conference, officials said that creators on the game platform (about 1.7 million)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/roblox-vp-of-developer-relations-grace-francisco-2017-5|title=This game turned players into $50,000-a-month entrepreneurs — now it has a plan to help them make $1.68 million a year|last=Weinberger|first=Matt|date=9 May 2017|website=Business Insider|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181130004003/https://www.businessinsider.com/roblox-vp-of-developer-relations-grace-francisco-2017-5|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=10 October 2017}}</ref> collectively earned at least $30 million in 2017.<ref name="engadget">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/22/roblox-30-million-pay-out-developers-2017-how/|title=Hobbyist developers will make $30 million via 'Roblox' this year|last=Conditt|first=Jessica|date=22 July 2017|website=Engadget|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181129211723/https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/22/roblox-30-million-pay-out-developers-2017-how/|archive-date=29 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=10 October 2017}}</ref> A developer covered his undergraduate education at [[Duke University]] using funds from his creation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/roblox-how-teenage-developers-are-making-millions-2017-7|title=A video game you've never heard of has turned three teens into multimillionaires — and it's just getting started|last=Weinberger|first=Matt|date=25 July 2017|website=Business Insider|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181130004231/https://www.businessinsider.com/roblox-how-teenage-developers-are-making-millions-2017-7|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=10 October 2017}}</ref>
''Jailbreak'' is one of most popular games on the site, accumulating tens of thousands of concurrent players daily, and cited as one of the best games to play on ''Roblox''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2018/09/17/how-roblox-is-training-the-next-generation-of-gaming-entrepreneurs/|title=How Roblox Is Training The Next Generation Of Gaming Entrepreneurs|last=Knapp|first=Alex|date=18 September 2018|website=Forbes|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181130005018/https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2018/09/17/how-roblox-is-training-the-next-generation-of-gaming-entrepreneurs/|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=11 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/07/21/the-deanbeat-robloxs-kid-developers-make-enough-robucks-to-pay-for-college/|title=The DeanBeat: Roblox’s kid developers make enough ‘robux’ to pay for college|last=Takahashi|first=Dean|date=21 July 2017|website=VentureBeat|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181130005248/https://venturebeat.com/2017/07/21/the-deanbeat-robloxs-kid-developers-make-enough-robucks-to-pay-for-college/|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=12 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamepur.com/guide/35897-best-roblox-games.html|title=The Best Roblox Games|last=Valens|first=Ana|date=25 June 2018|website=Gamepur|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181130005719/https://www.gamepur.com/guide/35897-best-roblox-games.html|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=9 November 2018}}</ref> ''Jailbreak'' was featured in ''Roblox''{{'}}s ''[[Ready Player One (film)|Ready Player One]]'' event, based around the release of the film, though it was met with criticism for the difficulty of the challenge and for a malfunctioning quest involving the train to get one of four rewards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/roblox-ready-player-one-dominus-event-key-clues-unlock-hidden-gates-840779|title='Roblox Ready Player One' Event: How to Find Copper, Jade & Crystal Keys (Location Clues)|last=Harbison|first=Cammy|date=12 March 2018|website=Newsweek|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181130010810/https://www.newsweek.com/roblox-ready-player-one-dominus-event-key-clues-unlock-hidden-gates-840779|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=14 October 2018}}</ref>
==Toy line==
In January 2017, Jazwares, a toy fabricator, teamed up with the Roblox Corporation to produce toy minifigures based on [[user-generated content]] created by large developers on the platform.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/01/10/roblox-launches-toys-based-on-its-user-generated-games/|title=Roblox launches toys based on its user-generated games|last=Takahashi|first=Dean|date=10 January 2017|website=VentureBeat|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181130011005/https://venturebeat.com/2017/01/10/roblox-launches-toys-based-on-its-user-generated-games/|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=7 November 2017}}</ref> The minifigures have limbs and joints similar to that of [[Lego minifigure]]s. The minifigures also have limbs and accessories that are interchangeable. All of the sets include a code that can be used to redeem virtual items. There are also blind boxes that contain random minifigures and have a chance to contain a mystery figure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://heavy.com/games/2017/08/roblox-toys-wave-2-series-codes-figures-playsets/|title=Roblox Toys Wave 2 Hits Store Shelves This August|last=Fennimore|first=Jack|date=2 August 2017|website=Heavy.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130011521/https://heavy.com/games/2017/08/roblox-toys-wave-2-series-codes-figures-playsets/|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=7 November 2017}}</ref>
==Awards and recognition==
''Roblox'' has received the following accolades:
*[[Inc. (magazine)#Inc. 500 and Inc. 5000|Inc. 5000]] List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies (2016, 2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inc.com/inc5000/list/2016|title=Inc. 5000 2016: The Full List|website=Inc. 5000|access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inc.com/inc5000/list/2017|title=Inc. 5000 2017: The Full List|website=Inc. 5000|access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref>
*[[San Mateo County, California|San Mateo County]] Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA) Award of Excellence (2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://baymeadows.com/2017/03/17/business-innovators-honored/|title=Business Innovators Honored|date=17 March 2017|website=Bay Meadows: San Mateo|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181130012214/http://baymeadows.com/2017/03/17/business-innovators-honored/|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref>
*[[American City Business Journals|San Francisco Business Times]]' Tech & Innovation Award – Gaming/eSports (2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2017/05/17/tech-awards-2017-gaming-esports-roblox-virtual.html|title=Roblox lets users build their own virtual world|last=Procter|first=Richard|date=17 May 2017|website=San Francisco Business Times|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20181130012604/https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2017/05/17/tech-awards-2017-gaming-esports-roblox-virtual.html|archive-date=30 November 2018|dead-url=no|access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref>
==References==
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