Roblox, the popular online gaming platform, has sparked discussions about child safety, with CEO Dave Baszucki advising parents to take charge of their children’s online experiences. Amid concerns about exposure to inappropriate content and online risks, Baszucki maintains that Roblox prioritizes user safety.
Parental Responsibility in Online Gaming
Roblox is the leading gaming site for children aged 8 to 12 in the UK. Despite its massive popularity, the platform has faced criticism over potential exposure to harmful content.
In response, Baszucki has a straightforward message for concerned parents: “If you’re not comfortable, don’t let your kids be on Roblox.” He emphasizes that parents should make informed choices regarding their children’s digital activities, even if this stance seems counter-intuitive for a gaming CEO.
Roblox’s Safety Measures and Growing Player Base
Roblox is one of the world’s largest gaming platforms, surpassing monthly engagement numbers of Nintendo Switch and Sony PlayStation combined. In 2024, the platform saw over 80 million daily active users, with 40% under the age of 13.
With the UK’s Online Safety Act taking effect in April, tech companies will face stricter requirements to protect young users. Baszucki asserts that Roblox is already ahead of regulatory standards. “Even one bad incident is too many,” he says, reaffirming the company’s commitment to user safety.
The platform employs AI-driven monitoring and human moderators to detect and prevent harmful behavior, including bullying and harassment. When necessary, the company escalates concerns to law enforcement.
Roblox enforces strict penalties for rule violations. Players engaging in inappropriate behavior risk temporary suspensions or permanent bans. In 2023, Roblox introduced additional safeguards, including banning direct messaging for users under 13 and restricting access to “hangout experiences” with chat functions.
Challenges in Enforcing Safety Protocols
Despite these measures, concerns about security persist. Testing revealed that users could still exchange messages between accounts of different ages, with minor adjustments bypassing some filters. While Roblox blocks direct efforts to move conversations to other platforms, users can reword messages to evade restrictions.
When presented with these findings, Baszucki defended the platform’s effectiveness, stating that the controls in place significantly limit risky interactions. He reiterated that Roblox does not allow image sharing and pledged to enhance enforcement beyond regulatory requirements.
Balancing user interaction with safety remains a challenge. However, Baszucki is confident that the platform can strike the right balance.
The Growth and Evolution of Roblox
Founded in 2004 by Dave Baszucki and Eric Cassel, Roblox launched publicly in 2006. Originally conceived as an educational software company called Knowledge Revolution, the platform evolved after observing children using their software to build creative digital worlds.
The name “Roblox” combines “robot” and “blocks,” reflecting the game’s core mechanics. Early on, the founders noticed inappropriate user behavior, prompting them to implement trust and safety measures. At the time, only four moderators managed safety concerns. Today, a vast team and AI technology oversee user interactions.
The Business Behind Roblox’s Success
A major turning point for Roblox came with the introduction of its in-game currency, Robux. Players purchase Robux to access premium content and customization options, while developers earn revenue, receiving 70% of sales.
Initially, some executives hesitated to commercialize the platform, but Robux proved pivotal to Roblox’s financial success. Today, the company is valued at $41 billion (£31 billion).
Roblox went public in 2021, experiencing fluctuating stock prices. After peaking during the pandemic, shares have rebounded, rising by a third in the past six months.
Baszucki likens his journey to that of Walt Disney, envisioning Roblox as a virtual equivalent of the Magic Kingdom. His long-term goal is to expand beyond gaming, transforming Roblox into a social platform where users interact through digital avatars.
With ambitions to attract 10% of the world’s gamers, Baszucki envisions a future where Roblox reshapes digital communication. When asked to summarize Roblox in three words, he responds: “The future of communication.”
To conclude the interview, Baszucki plays two of his favorite games—Natural Disaster Survival and Dress to Impress. Even using his own account, he gets recognized by players. But that doesn’t stop a virtual blizzard from wiping out his character.