Metaverse platform Roblox has announced that it’s introducing new experiences exclusively for users over the age of seventeen.

In a blog post, Roblox chief product officer Manuel Bronstein notes that the 17-24 age group is the fastest-growing segment of users, with users over 17 accounting for 38% of the platform’s daily active users in 2022.To cater to these users, creators can now make experiences solely for these users.

The move comes in the wake of Roblox’s experience guidelines - a set of regulations grounded in child development research and industry standards. While the company has previously allowed limited age limits, this new move serves as a means to open up Roblox for more adult-oriented content without exposing those below the age limit to such experiences.

Steps to safety

In the interest of protecting children, only those users who have verified that they’re over 17 will have access to this content. Users must upload a selfie and a photo of their government-issued ID, which Bronstein notes “goes beyond what many platforms currently use.”

“We want Roblox to simulate and even go beyond what’s possible in the real world,” wrote Bronestein. “For example, when a family attends a sporting event, there’s something at the stadium for everyone to do. But some of these areas may be off-limits for young people. As they get older, though, they’ll be able to access those areas, and we want to replicate that dynamic on Roblox.

“Now, creators will be able to offer experiences for those 17 and older that feature more mature themes and storylines like in TV shows or stand-up comedy. These experiences may contain more violence, blood, or crude humour.”
Roblox hopes that this move will help engage creators in its fastest-growing audience, giving them new opportunities to increase both engagement and earnings. Creators are currently able to start building these new experiences, which users will be able to see in the coming weeks.

We listed Roblox as one of the top 50 mobile game makers of 2022.