Examine individual changes

'{{multiple issues| {{third-party|date=June 2016}} {{copy edit|date=August 2016}} {{Cleanup rewrite|date=November 2016}} }} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2015}} {{Infobox video game | title = Roblox | image = Roblox logo.svg | developer = Community | publisher = Community | platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[OS X]], [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]],<ref>{{cite news| url=http://blog.roblox.com/2014/07/roblox-arrives-on-android/| title=Roblox Arrives on Android| first=Andrew| last=Haak| date=16 July 2014| publisher=Roblox Corporation}}</ref> [[Xbox One]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/24/roblox-helps-you-make-your-own-xbox-one-games|title=Roblox Helps You Make Your Own Xbox One Games|last=McCaffrey|first=Ryan|date=24 September 2015|publisher=[[IGN]]|accessdate=12 March 2016}}</ref> [[Xbox 360]] (Unknown) | released = 2004 (Windows and OS X) 2013 (IOS and Android), January 2016 (Xbox One) | genre = [[MMORPG]], [[sandbox game]] | modes = [[Multiplayer]] }} '''''Roblox''''' (stylized as '''''RŌBLOX''''') is a [[massively multiplayer online game]] developed and published by Roblox Corporation. In the game, players are able to create their own [[virtual world]] and design their own games.<ref name="cnet">{{cite news|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-19882_3-20070969-250/roblox-a-virtual-world-of-lego-like-blocks/ |title=Roblox: A virtual world of Lego-like blocks |publisher=[[CNET]] |accessdate=29 February 2012|date = 14 June 2011|last = Needleman|first = Rafe}}</ref> Games on Roblox can be [[Script (computing)|script]]ed using a [[Sandbox (computer security)|sandboxed]] edition of [[Lua (programming language)|Lua]] to affect events that occur in-game and create different scenarios. The company's main source of revenue comes from players buying Robux, the main [[virtual currency]] in the game, and from players buying "Builders Club" access, a status which gives virtual benefits to users.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|last=Shedletsky|first=John|title=Builders Club is Coming…|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2007/08/builders-club-is-coming/|publisher=Roblox Corporation|date = 2 August 2007}}</ref> == History and development == === Prehistory (2004–2005) === Roblox was created by founder and co-founder David Baszucki and Erik Cassel in 2004 and officially launched into its beta version, titled "Dynablocks" in 2004. Soon, "Dynablocks" was renamed to ROBLOX in 2005 and the website was officially launched in 2006.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=32789865|title=Roblox Info on BusinessWeek|publisher=[[BusinessWeek]]|accessdate=20 September 2009}}</ref> It was named after a portmanteau of the words ''robots'' and ''blocks''.<ref name=":3">{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2009/09/interview-with-telamon/|title=Interview with Telamon|publisher=Roblox Corporation|accessdate=20 September 2009|date = 14 September 2009|last = Herndon|first = Becky Lee}}</ref> After a year of development, Dynablocks was renamed ROBLOX and was launched into beta in 2005. In 2005, people could gain the currency at that time, ''Roblox Points'', by completing single-player mini games developed by Roblox admins. As the game was released publicly in 2006, people came to the game slowly, but eventually the game started growing exponentially to its 6 million account base. === Early history (2006–2009) === In early 2006, Roblox had one currency, known as ''Roblox Points'', first used like the Player Points, then as an upgrade to one's avatar, which was subsequently discontinued and replaced with "Robux". In mid-2007, Roblox added more customization to user characters to allow items such as caps to be worn.<ref name=":4">{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2007/05/more-character-visuals|title=More Character Visuals|publisher=Roblox Corporation|accessdate=22 March 2010|date = 8 May 2007|first = John|last = Shedletsky}}</ref> Roblox badges were first introduced on 22 December 2006.<ref> {{cite news | url=http://blog.roblox.com/2006/12/roblox-badges/ | title=ROBLOX Badges | first=David | last=Baszucki | date=22 December 2007 | publisher=Roblox Corporation | accessdate=15 March 2013 }}</ref> Meshes were added, and so were the abilities of sending friend requests to other players, and sending messages. Other things accomplished in 2006 were searching through players, places, and items, multiplayer places, stats, and inventories.<ref> {{cite news | url=http://blog.roblox.com/2007/01/2006-in-review/ | title=2006 in Review | first=John | last=Shedletsky | date=1 January 2007 | publisher=Roblox Corporation | accessdate=15 March 2013 }}</ref> In 2007, character customization became possible.<ref> {{cite news | url=http://blog.roblox.com/2007/01/blox-james-blox/ | title=Blox. James Blox. | first=John | last=Shedletsky | date=12 January 2007 | publisher=Roblox Corporation | accessdate=15 March 2013 }}</ref> In late January, the abuse report queue was introduced, with the ability for any user to report content as inappropriate through the "Report Abuse" buttons disseminated throughout the site.<ref> {{cite news | url=http://blog.roblox.com/2007/01/report-abuse/ | title={{-"}}Report Abuse!!!{{"-}} | first=Erik | last=Cassel | date=31 January 2007 | publisher=Roblox Corporation | accessdate=15 March 2013 }}</ref> In March 2007, Roblox became compliant with [[COPPA]], with the addition of safe chat, a change which made users who indicated to be under the age of 13 at registration only able to communicate by selecting predefined messages from a menu.<ref> {{cite web | url=http://blog.roblox.com/2007/03/a-new-day-dawns/ | title=A New Day Dawns… | first=John | last=Shedletsky | date=27 March 2007 | publisher=Roblox Corporation | accessdate=15 March 2013 }}</ref> In August 2007, Roblox added ''Builders Club'', a premium membership, and applied server improvements.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://blog.roblox.com/2007/08/builders-club-is-here/ | title=Builders Club is Here! | first=John | last=Shedletsky | date=16 August 2007 | publisher=Roblox Corporation }}</ref> === Exclusive features and game features (2010–2012) === In 2010, Roblox began creating body shapes which ''Builders Club'' members could purchase using virtual currency.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2010/05/do-you-need-any-body/|title=Do You Need Any Body?|date = 14 May 2010|last = Shedletsky|first = John|publisher = Roblox Corporation}}</ref> These body shapes were available in the catalog as packages, which included many items that were all obtained when the package was bought. These packages varied in size and price and occasionally went on sale. In 2011, more than 5.4 million games were created by users.<ref> {{cite news | url=http://blog.roblox.com/2012/02/5-4-million-games-created-in-2011/ | title=5.4 Million Games Created in 2011 | first=David | last=Baszucki | date=23 February 2012 | publisher=Roblox Corporation }}</ref> At the ''Roblox Game Conference'', Roblox released a system that allowed members with a premium membership to ''trade'' collectible items with other users who have ''Builders Club''. Over time, other features have been added to the system such as increasing the value of a trade, adding Robux to a trade, and owning and trading multiple copies of the same collectible item.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2013/04/purchase-and-trade-multiple-copies-of-limited-items/ |title=Purchase and Trade Multiple Copies of Limited Items Today |publisher=Roblox Corporation |date=16 August 2013 |accessdate=26 June 2013|last = Venugopal|first = Sairam}}</ref> On 13 January 2012, Roblox announced on the blog that their first ''Hack Week'' had been held. The post announcing it described it as a week where developers worked on projects they chose that they then had to present to the company and that, if considered interesting, could be put further work on.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Hack Week: The Series!|date = 13 January 2012|url = http://blog.roblox.com/2012/01/hack-week-the-series|publisher = Roblox Corporation|accessdate = 19 December 2013|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130308210449/http://blog.roblox.com/2012/01/hack-week-the-series|archivedate = 8 March 2013}}</ref> Projects worked on by developers were later described by blog posts during the rest of the year. They included the implementation of the possibility for user interface elements to rotate,<ref>{{Cite news|title = Hack Week: Implementing Rotatable GUIs|date = 1 August 2012|url = http://blog.roblox.com/2012/08/hack-week-implementing-rotatable-guis|archivedate = 2 October 2012|last = Chandrasekaran|first = Deepak|publisher = Roblox Corporation|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20121002074233/http://blog.roblox.com/2012/08/hack-week-implementing-rotatable-guis/|accessdate = 19 December 2013}}</ref> which was later added to the game engine, the exploration of a system for crafting items,<ref>{{Cite news|title = Hack Week: Exploring a Crafting System in ROBLOX|date = 30 July 2012|url = http://blog.roblox.com/2012/07/exploring-a-crafting-system-in-roblox|last = Lal|first = Navin|publisher = Roblox Corporation|accessdate = 19 December 2013|archivedate = 8 March 2013|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130308210306/http://blog.roblox.com/2012/07/exploring-a-crafting-system-in-roblox}}</ref> the suggestion of a system that would allow game developers to connect many games together,<ref>{{Cite news|title = The Big Bang at ROBLOX: Universe Creation|date = 13 January 2012|url = http://blog.roblox.com/2012/01/the-big-bang-at-roblox-universe-creation|last = Lal|first = Navin|publisher = Roblox Corporation|accessdate = 19 December 2013|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130308210441/http://blog.roblox.com/2012/01/the-big-bang-at-roblox-universe-creation/|archivedate = 8 March 2013}}</ref> which was also later added to the engine<ref>{{Cite news|title = Game Universes and the Quest for Massive Scale|date = 18 December 2013|last = Haak|first = Andrew|url = http://blog.roblox.com/2013/12/game-universes-and-the-quest-for-massive-scale/|publisher = Roblox Corporation|accessdate = 20 December 2013|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131220050214/http://blog.roblox.com/2013/12/game-universes-and-the-quest-for-massive-scale/|archivedate = 20 December 2013}}</ref> and the creation of a mobile website to replace the normal website for tablets and cell phones.<ref>{{Cite news|title = ROBLOX’s Mobile Site, m.roblox.com, Now Live for Testing|date = 24 August 2012|url = http://blog.roblox.com/2012/08/robloxs-mobile-site-m-roblox-com-now-live-for-testing/|last = Teel|first = Toby|publisher = Roblox Corporation|accessdate = 20 December 2013|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130308204911/http://blog.roblox.com/2012/08/robloxs-mobile-site-m-roblox-com-now-live-for-testing/|archivedate = 8 March 2013}}</ref> On 5 June 2012, Roblox announced that a new water material was released to add to the existing collection of "high scalability" terrain cell materials.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2012/06/the-water-is-running-in-roblox/ |title=The Water Is Running in ROBLOX |publisher=Roblox Corporation |date=5 June 2012 |accessdate=26 June 2013|first = Andrew|last = Haak}}</ref> On 11 December 2012, Roblox released the ability to play games on iOS.<ref>{{cite news|title=ROBLOX Mobile Is Out of Beta: Download and Play Today!|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2012/12/roblox-mobile-is-out-of-beta-download-and-play-today/|publisher=Roblox Corporation|accessdate=14 December 2012|date = 11 December 2012|last = Bromley|first = Dylan}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/26/mmo-family-roblox-ceo-david-baszucki-talks-mobile-app-plans-fo|title = MMO Family: Roblox CEO David Baszucki talks mobile app, plans for the future|last = Bryan|first = Karen|publisher = Massively|date = 26 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://venturebeat.com/2012/12/12/roblox-mobile-ipad-iphone-now/|title = Roblox goes mobile in time for the holidays|publisher = VentureBeat|date = 12 December 2012|last = Grubb|first = Jeffrey}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.maclife.com/article/news/roblox_brings_millions_user_created_games_ios |title=ROBLOX Brings Millions of User Created Games to iOS |date=12 December 2012 |website=Mac{{!}}Life |last=Clark |first=Matt}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.forbes.com/sites/alexkonrad/2012/12/12/the-worlds-most-popular-kids-site-take-its-games-mobile/|title = The World’s Most Popular Kids Site Takes Its Games Mobile|date = 12 December 2012|publisher = Forbes|last = Konrad|first = Alex}}</ref> The current iOS devices compatible are the iPad 2 and newer devices including mini, iPhone 4 or newer, and the iPod touch 5th generation. The mobile Roblox application gives users the ability to customize their character, shop in the virtual catalog, play games, view their profile, and respond to messages. Previous to the release of the mobile Roblox application, the company created 20 virtual Roblox tablets. Players who purchased one received a brand new [[iPad 3]].<ref> {{cite news | url=http://blog.roblox.com/2012/12/ipad-activity-we-look-at-what-users-traded-to-get-ipads/ | title=iPad Activity We Look at What Users Traded to get iPads | first=Alan | last=Fackler | date=8 December 2012 | publisher=Roblox Corporation }}</ref> On 21 December 2012, ''featherweight parts'' were introduced. This feature enhanced game performance greatly by decreasing the usage of file space for each part in a place.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2012/12/featherweight-parts-one-million-parts-one-roblox-world/ |title=Featherweight Parts: One Million Parts, One ROBLOX World |publisher=Roblox Corporation |date=21 December 2012 |accessdate=26 June 2013|first = Simon|last = Kozlov}}</ref> ===Contemporary history (2012–present)=== On April 1st, 2012, Roblox suffered site issues that caused players to get incorrect amounts of Robux. Some assets were uploaded without being reviewed by the moderators, and a user hacked the forums. ROBLOX staff brought the site offline, fixed the currency issues, and banned the users responsible for the hacking.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2012/04/april-1st-site-issue-and-update/ |title=Site Issues |publisher=Roblox Corporation |date=April 1, 2012 |accessdate=April 2, 2012|first = David|last = Baszucki}}</ref> The co-founder of Roblox, Erik Cassel, died on the morning of 11 February 2013 after a three-year battle with cancer at his home located in Silicon Valley, California.<ref>{{cite news|last=Baszucki|first=David|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2013/02/in-memory-of-erik-cassel/|title=In Memory of Erik Cassel|publisher=Roblox Corporation|date=12 February 2013|accessdate=12 February 2013}}</ref> The lighting system was improved with the addition of [[dynamic lights]] implemented in a [[voxel]]-based fashion.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.gamezebo.com/news/2013/05/17/roblox-introduces-new-dynamic-lighting-engine|title = ROBLOX introduces new Dynamic Lighting engine|date = 17 May 2013|last = Jasko|first = Joe|publisher = [[Gamezebo]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://blog.roblox.com/2013/05/lights-on-dynamic-lighting-and-shadows-are-here|title = Lights On: Dynamic Lighting and Shadows are Here|last = Kapoulkine|first = Arseny|publisher = Roblox Corporation|date = 9 May 2013}}</ref> Dynamic lights were later added to the mobile version of Roblox.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://inventorspot.com/articles/roblox_launches_dynamic_lighting_ios|title = Roblox Launches Dynamic Lighting On iOS|last = Greene|first = Nicholas|publisher = InventorSpot|date = 5 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://blog.roblox.com/2013/05/lights-on-dynamic-lighting-and-shadows-are-here|title = Lights On: Dynamic Lighting and Shadows are Here|date = 9 May 2013|publisher = Roblox Corporation|last = Kapoulkine|first = Arseny}}</ref> On 2 October 2013, animations made a debut in Roblox, with an overhaul of the default Roblox character animations along with user made animations allowed. On October 1st, 2013, Roblox released a feature called ''[[#DevEx|Developer's Exchange]]''. The feature allows users to exchange their Robux into real world money. The requirements to use the program are a minimum threshold of 100,000 Robux, Outrageous Builders Club, and a valid [[Paypal]] account. The current trade ratio is 500 to 1.<ref name="forbesdevex"/> On 11 October 2013, body packages became available to all members of Roblox, including those who did not have a premium membership.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://blog.roblox.com/2013/10/body-packages-now-available-to-all-robloxians/|title = Body Packages Now Available to All ROBLOXians|last = Justus|first = Brad|date = 11 October 2013|work = |accessdate = 18 June 2014|publisher = Roblox Corporation|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131016032941/http://blog.roblox.com/2013/10/body-packages-now-available-to-all-robloxians/|archivedate = 16 October 2013}}</ref> On 31 May 2015, a feature named Smooth Terrain was added, increasing the graphical fidelity and changing the physics engine from a blocky style to a smoother, more photorealistic, style<ref>{{Cite web|title = Roblox user-generated world moves from blocky terrain to smooth 3D|url = http://venturebeat.com/2015/06/01/roblox-user-generated-world-moves-from-blocky-to-smooth-3d-terrain/|website = VentureBeat|accessdate = 3 June 2015}}</ref> On August 4, 2015, Roblox discontinued purchases for lifetime and 6 months Builders Club, Turbo Builders Club, and Outrageous Builders Club.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|title = Discontinuation for lifetime BC, TBC, and OBC.|url = https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/205324130-Builders-Club-Updates-6-month-and-Lifetime-Memberships|website = Roblox Help|accessdate = August 4, 2015}}</ref> On March 15, 2016, Roblox announced that the currency called "Tickets" is planned to be removed after 30 days of the announcement because ROBLOX deemed the said currency useless. During the 30 days, Roblox released hats that can only be bought with Tickets as exclusive, commemorative items. Additionally, the Trade Currency system will be removed.<ref name="robloxgoodbyetotickets22">{{Cite web|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2016/03/saying-goodbye-to-tickets/|title=Saying Goodbye to Tickets|last=David|first=Baszucki|date=March 15, 2016|publisher=ROBLOX|access-date=March 15, 2016}}</ref> Roblox also announced they will lower the ROBUX price floors to 5 ROBUX minimum as in means of currency. They will also allow users to upload their hats, gear, and more, similar to how players can do Models.<ref name="robloxgoodbyetotickets22"/> == Gameplay == Players can customize their virtual characters with hundreds of different hats, head shapes, body shapes, clothing, and gear. Players may create their own articles of clothing, which allows for a more personalized in-game experience. However, selling player-created articles of clothing and collectible items require ''Builders Club'', but non-premium players may still create T-shirts, which are decals attached to the front of a player's torso. [[File:Robloxian_fourth_generation_male_package.png|thumb|left|A fourth generation (4.0) ROBLOX character, a common typical package.|alt=One of the default character model]] === Mobile gameplay === Roblox can be played on many Android devices, as well as the iPad 2, the iPhone 4, the iPod touch 5th generation or any successor to one of those Apple devices.<ref name="ROBLOX Corporation2">{{cite web|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2012/10/video-testing-popular-roblox-games-on-the-ipad/|title=Video: Testing Popular ROBLOX Games on the iPad|website=Roblox Blog|publisher=ROBLOX Corporation|last1=Haak|first1=Andrew|accessdate=6 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2014/07/roblox-arrives-on-android/|title=ROBLOX Arrives on Android|website=Roblox Blog|publisher=ROBLOX Corporation|last1=Haak|first1=Andrew|accessdate=6 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2014/10/roblox-arrives-in-the-amazon-app-store/|title=ROBLOX Arrives in the Amazon App Store|website=Roblox Blog|publisher=ROBLOX Corporation|last1=Hendrik|first1=Jack|accessdate=6 March 2015}}</ref> This is done with the Roblox application which can be obtained from the application store. The application allows purchasing items from the catalog that are not available for users not using the mobile application using the currency system of [[iTunes]]. The application can be used to view the user's inventory, friends, groups, and messages. It can also be used to purchase upgrades (premium memberships or Robux) with the currency system provided by iTunes and [[Google Play]]. During the alpha period, only selected places could be played from the application.<ref name="ROBLOX Corporation2" /> The application is now stable and allows any place to be played. However, many places are not adapted to be played on the mobiles, which can result in games being too slow or some games being impossible to play because of the controls that are not available on mobile. Additionally, some games are simply unable to load due to size and complexity.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} === Social interaction === Players can add other people they meet in the game to their friends list. Since 2011, this can be done while playing.<ref> {{cite news | url=http://wiki.roblox.com/index.php?title=Friends | title=Friends | publisher=Roblox Corporation }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2009/07/status-updates-best-friends-and-feeds-oh-my/|title=Status Updates, Best Friends, and Feeds, oh my|publisher=Roblox Corporation|accessdate=23 February 2012|date = 30 July 2009}}</ref> On 4 February 2015, a new update to replace the Friends and Best Friends system, named Friends and Followers,<ref>{{cite web|first1=Deepak|last1=Chandrasekaran|title=Friends and Followers Makes ROBLOX More Social, and Even More Fun|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2015/02/friends-and-followers-makes-roblox-more-social-and-even-more-fun/|website=Roblox Blog|publisher=ROBLOX Corporation|accessdate=10 February 2015}}</ref> was introduced. This allows more personal game play if wanted. This update also allows 200 Friends and infinite Followers. Players also have the option join community groups.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2009/07/social-feature-bonanza/|title=Social Feature Bonanza!|publisher=Roblox Corporation|accessdate=23 February 2012|date = 30 July 2013|last = Brown|first = Tim}}</ref> After joining, players can then advertise their group,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2011/02/advertise-this-group/|title=Advertise This Group|publisher=Roblox Corporation|accessdate=23 February 2012|date = 3 February 2011|last = Shedletsky|first = John}}</ref> participate in group relations,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2011/04/group-relationships-feature/|title=Group Relationships Feature!|publisher=Roblox Corporation|accessdate=23 February 2012|last = Herndon|first = Becky Lee|date = 8 April 2011}}</ref> and set their primary group.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2011/04/group-theory-2/|title=Group Theory|publisher=Roblox Corporation|accessdate=23 February 2012|last = Shedletsky|first = John|date = 28 April 2011}}</ref> On the website and in game, users who are under 13 years old can only use specific words that are part of a whitelist maintained by the Roblox moderators. In contrast, users who are over 13 years old can use any word except words that are part of a blacklist. {{clear}} ==Game development== [[File:Roblox Studio 2016.png|Editing using ROBLOX Studio 2016|thumb|x175px|alt=What's shown here is ROBLOX Studio 2016, an image of a car on the road passing a government building]] The game development and building is done via an application called ROBLOX Studio. It is a free program that comes with ROBLOX.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wiki.roblox.com/index.php?title=Manual/Studio_Overview|title=ROBLOX Studio page}}</ref> === Building === Players use ROBLOX Studio's built-in building system to construct places with bricks from varying colors, shapes and buildings. Players also are able to use user made plugins and tools to build. Players also have the ability to scroll through the ROBLOX Library and find free models and scripts. ROBLOX also created a "Official Model Maker" system where talented model makers are able to create and make their creations visible on the front page of the ROBLOX Library model section.<ref name="robloxlibrary2">{{cite web|url=http://www.roblox.com/develop/library?CatalogContext=DevelopOnly&Category=Models|title=ROBLOX Library page}}</ref> === Programming === Players can use the programming language [[Lua (programming language)|Lua]] to dynamically change the environment of the game.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://kidslike.info/roblox_using_roblox_as_an_educational_programming_language |title=Roblox as an educational program language|publisher=Kids Like|accessdate=24 January 2009|date = 9 December 2008}}</ref> Also, plugins can be developed with Lua to be used in Roblox Studio.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/roblox-lego-meets-webkinz-equals-fun-games/|title=Roblox - A Cool Lego-Based Free Virtual World for Kids|publisher=makeuseof.com|accessdate=11 October 2009|date = 29 June 2009|last = McDowell|first = Guy}}</ref> The exact version of Lua that is used in ROBLOX Studio is [[Lua (programming language)|Lua 5.1]]. It is sometimes however, referred to as ROBLOX Lua. ==Website== {{Infobox website |url = http://www.roblox.com/ |commercial = Yes |registration = Optional but required for most features |type = Online [[videogame]] platform |language = English |owner = ROBLOX Corporation |launch_date = January 30, 2004 |slogan = Think. Build. Create. It's Free; Powering Imagination |screenshot = Roblox Home Screenshot.png |caption = The Login page for Roblox.com as of November 2016. |logo = Roblox logo.svg |alexa={{IncreaseNegative}} 321 ({{as of|2016|11|12|alt=November 2016}})<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/roblox.com|title=roblox.com|work=[[Alexa Internet]]|publisher=[[Amazon.com]]|accessdate=12 November 2016}}</ref> }} The ''Roblox'' website contains all of the Roblox features, with the exception of the ability to play the games. The Roblox client must be downloaded to play the games.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} === Economy and currency === Roblox currently has just one [[Virtual economy|virtual currency]]: Robux. Robux was originally released alongside with another currency called Tickets until on March 15, 2016, when ROBLOX announced that the currency called "Tickets" was planned to be removed after 30 days of the announcement and the Trade Currency system would also be removed.<ref name="robloxgoodbyetotickets22"/> They can be converted from one to the other with the currency exchange.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2008/11/its-the-economy/|title=It’s the Economy…|last=Shedletsky|first=John|date=21 November 2008|publisher=Roblox Corporation|accessdate=19 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2012/01/30/roblox-lets-kids-build-their-own-worlds-online/|title=Roblox Lets Kids Build Their Own Worlds Online|last=Knapp|first=Alex|date=30 January 2012|publisher=[[Forbes]]|accessdate=23 February 2012}}</ref> Tickets were earned for a variety of activities, such as when places are visited, as a daily login bonus, or for item sales including clothing. The announcement of their removal sparked a major campaign against it, both on Roblox forums and social media. In-game items can be sold for either a set price in currently just Robux, it formerly used Tickets as another currency option before its removal. Robux is earned daily by premium members in varying amounts depending on the user's type of membership. Robux can also be earned through sale of virtual goods, such as clothing or developer products, or can be purchased directly with money. ;{{anchor|DevEx}} Developer Exchange The developer exchange, widely known in the game as ''DevEx'', is a feature that exchanges the game currency, ''Robux,'' to real cash. This option is only available to users that hold ''Outrageous Builders Club'' and at least 100,000 Robux. Users of the developer exchange can make from (100,000 Robux) to (20,000,000 Robux) in a month.<ref name="forbesdevex">{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2016/11/29/roblox-is-giving-young-video-game-developers-a-chance-to-shine-and-make-big-money/#2b8f3f4a5cb6|access-date=December 11, 2016|first=Erik|last=Kain|title=Roblox Is Giving Young Video Game Developers A Chance To Shine (And Make Big Money)|date=November 29, 2016|website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref> === Builders Club === Roblox is [[free to play]], although members may purchase monthly memberships to enhance their game experience. One membership option, ''Builders Club'', grants players multiple amenities, including a daily virtual currency stipend of 15 Robux per day. Other membership options include ''Turbo Builders Club'' and ''Outrageous Builders Club''; each option is more expensive than the last. Depending on the tier of ''Builders Club'' a player buys, the player can unlock more places to build in, more money to spend, more groups to join, and the ability to create and sell clothing. Recently, ROBLOX has given non-upgraded users a severe disadvantage which has been subject to criticism. In August 2015, ROBLOX discontinued the 6 month and lifetime versions of Builders Club, Turbo Builders Club, and Outrageous Builders Club.<ref name="auto"/> == Relief funds == In 2010, Roblox published two hats in the virtual catalog that players could purchase to fund for earthquake relief for the [[2010 Haiti earthquake|Haiti earthquake]]. They were named the "Blue Hat for Haiti", and the "Red Hat for Haiti". For every player who bought the blue hat, Roblox had donated 10 cents to the Red Cross Relief Fund to help Haiti recover.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roblox.com/Blue-Hat-for-Haiti-item?id=20721202 |title=Description of Blue Hat for Haiti On Roblox.|publisher=Roblox Corporation |date=15 January 2010|accessdate=6 March 2014|first=David|last= Baszucki}}</ref> For every player who bought the Red Hat, Roblox had donated 65 cents to the [[American Red Cross|Red Cross]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roblox.com/Red-Hat-for-Haiti-item?id=20721217 |title=Description of Red Hat for Haiti On Roblox.|publisher=Roblox Corporation |date=15 January 2010|accessdate=6 March 2014|first=David|last= Baszucki}}</ref> Roblox donated at least $5479 to the Red Cross Relief Fund because of this, after a week of the hats being on sale.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://blog.roblox.com/2010/01/roblox-players-raise-547900-for-haiti-disaster-relief/|title = ROBLOX Players Raise $5479.00 For Haiti Disaster Relief|date = 21 January 2010|accessdate = 25 June 2014|website = Roblox Blog|publisher = Roblox Corporation|last = Shedletsky|first = John}}</ref> In 2011, Roblox also published two hats that players could purchase to raise money for Japan after the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]]. The Rising Sun Cap and the Japanese Baseball Cap were put into the catalog for players to buy. For every Rising Sun Cap that players bought, Roblox had donated $1.00 to the Red Cross. For every Japanese Baseball Cap that players bought, Roblox had donated 10 cents to the Red Cross.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url = http://www.roblox.com/Rising-Sun-Cap-item?id=47697235|title = Rising Sun Cap Page|date = 11 March 2011|accessdate = 25 June 2014|website = Roblox|publisher = Roblox Corporation|last = |first = }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite web|url = http://www.roblox.com/Japanese-Baseball-Cap-item?id=47697264|title = Japanese Baseball Cap Page|date = 11 March 2011|accessdate = 25 June 2014|website = Roblox|publisher = Roblox Corporation|last = |first = }}</ref><ref name=":6">{{cite web|url = http://blog.roblox.com/2011/03/generosity-by-the-thousands-for-japan/|title = Generosity by the Thousands for Japan!|date = 17 March 2011|accessdate = 25 June 2014|website = Roblox Blog|publisher = Roblox Corporation|last = Baszucki|first = David}}</ref> After only two days of the hats being on sale, $10,445.80 was raised, from 23935 hats being sold.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /> In 2013, Roblox published a hat after the death of their co-founder, Erik Cassel. Every time the hat was bought, Roblox had donated money toward [[cancer research]], which was the cause of Cassel's death.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2013/02/gear-items-in-remembrance-of-erik-cassel/ |title=Erik Cassel Apparel: Proceeds go to Cancer Research |publisher=Roblox Corporation |date=15 February 2013 |accessdate=26 June 2013|first = David|last = Baszucki}}</ref> Again in 2013, Roblox published two hats after [[Typhoon Haiyan]]. For every hat that a player bought, Roblox had either donated 10 cents or 65 cents depending on the hat.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Justus|first1=Brad|title=$3,330.30 Raised for Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda Relief|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2013/11/3330-30-raised-for-typhoon-haiyanyolanda-relief|publisher=ROBLOX Corporation|date=18 November 2013|accessdate=6 March 2015}}</ref> A total of $3,330.30 was raised from players buying the hats. In Summer of 2014, Roblox released a gear of which it represented a bucket of ice cold water during the [[Ice Bucket Challenge]] trend to spread awareness of [[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis|ALS]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2014/08/we-took-the-als-ice-bucket-challenge-now-its-your-turn|title=We Took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge — Now It’s Your Turn|publisher=Roblox Corporation |date=22 August 2014|accessdate=21 May 2016|first=Andrew|last=Haak}}</ref> For each time a player bought the gear, Roblox donated to ALS research garnering up to about $6,200 at the end.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.roblox.com/2014/09/roblox-community-raises-over-6000-for-als-research/|title=ROBLOX Community Raises Over $6,000 for ALS Research|publisher=Roblox Corporation |date=4 August 2014|accessdate=21 May 2016|first=Jack|last=Hendrik}}</ref> == References == {{reflist|30em}} == External links == * {{Official website|www.roblox.com}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Roblox}} [[Category:2006 video games]] [[Category:Massively multiplayer online games]] [[Category:Windows games]] [[Category:MacOS games]] [[Category:Lua-scripted video games]] [[Category:Social simulation video games]] [[Category:Free online games]] [[Category:Online games]] [[Category:IOS games]] [[Category:Android (operating system) games]] [[Category:Xbox One games]]'