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Popular user-generated content (UGC) platform Roblox is introducing two new age-based accounts for younger users.
The first, Roblox Kids, will be automatically assigned to users aged between 5 and 8 (as determined through the platform’s global age-check technology or a verified parent). Kids accounts will prohibit all communication and only permit access to experiences with a content maturity rating of ‘Minimal’ or ‘Mild.’
The second, Roblox Select, has been created for users aged 9 to 15. Default communication settings will be enabled for Select account holders, who will also be able to access titles with content maturity labels up to and including ‘Moderate.’
All content made accessible to Kids and Select users will be evaluated and approved via a three-step process built around developer verification, real-time evaluation, and a content maturity assessment.
The news comes with Roblox parent company Roblox Corp attempting to bolster safety on the platform, which has been widely criticized (and litigated against) for allegedly failing to protect children from predators and other bad actors.
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Roblox Corp founder and CEO, David Baszucki, said the introduction of age-based accounts is part of the company’s mission to become the “world’s healthiest platform for users of all ages.”
“When it comes to safety, we do the right thing, including proactive filtering, age-checks, parental controls, and providing clear content ratings, because the well-being of our community is our highest priority,” he added.
To that end, Roblox is also tweaking its suite of parental controls to ensure parents can retain access to certain features—such as granular game blocking, approval, and chat management—until their child turns 16. “This structure is designed to give parents more precise control over the games and friends their child interacts with,” said Baszucki.
Image via Roblox
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Senior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.com
Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton.
