Decoder with Nilay Patel

Why CEO David Baszucki is ready for Roblox to grow up

Jun 27, 2023

In this engaging discussion, Alex Heath chats with David Baszucki, the visionary CEO of Roblox, about the platform's bold transition to attract a more mature audience. He reveals plans for 17+ experiences and innovative AI world-building tools. With Roblox already serving 66 million users, they delve into its evolution as a multi-dimensional social space, emphasizing the balance between user safety and creative freedom. Additionally, Baszucki discusses new advertising strategies that aim to enhance user engagement while fostering a thriving environment for developers.

54:14

Episode guests

Alex Heath

David Baszucki

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Roblox is expanding its platform to accommodate a wide range of experiences, including gaming, learning, work, and more, as it believes it is not just for kids but for all ages.

Roblox has witnessed a shift in its user base, with more adults using the platform for educational purposes, advertising, and socializing, indicating that virtual world games like Roblox are evolving beyond just games.

Deep dives

The Shift towards 17 and up Experiences

Roblox recently announced that it is allowing 17 and up experiences on its platform. This decision is based on the company's belief that Roblox is not just for kids but for all ages. They aim to create a platform that accommodates a wide range of experiences, from gaming to learning to work and beyond. Roblox has taken measures to ensure safety and as part of the age verification process, they have implemented photo ID validation to support the expansion of more mature experiences.

Analysis of Roblox developer earnings and the potential of new ad units

03:50

The future of creating worlds on Roblox and the competition from Fortnite

01:18

Intro

2min

Roblox's Growing Revolution: Engaging Adults

12min

Valuing Virtual Goods and Developer Growth on Roblox

3min

Innovative Advertising Strategies in the Roblox Ecosystem

2min

Balancing Discovery and Advertising on Roblox

4min

From 2D to IPO: The Evolution of a Gaming Platform

10min

The Intersection of Recruiting and Regulation in Children's Online Safety

4min

Navigating User Safety and Innovation on Roblox

17min

Roblox has 66 million daily users, and people spent 14 billion collective hours on Roblox in just Q1 of 2023. But its CEO David Baszucki still wants to see the company grow.

One idea? Aging up the kinds of experiences that are allowed on its platform. Roblox recently introduced 17+ experiences. It wants to add new AI world-building capabilities. It’s even partnering with advertisers to roll out more immersive ad experiences.

It’s been years since the number of adults gaming outnumbered kids – it seems like that’s driving a lot of growth for everyone, including Roblox. But these virtual world games seem like they all want to expand to be much more than just for kids, and much more than just for games.

If you think about it, Roblox is already like a metaverse. Schools are using it for classes, companies are starting to advertise there, and people are just hanging out as avatars.

It’s already big, but the hope is to get much, much bigger.

Alex Heath, deputy editor at The Verge, got the chance to chat with David up at Roblox headquarters in San Mateo, California. Their conversation covered a lot: why now’s the time for Roblox to grow up, the classic Decoder questions about structure and decision-making, and sadly, why infinite Robux isn’t a thing. Apologies to all the eight year olds out there.

Okay, Roblox CEO David Baszucki. Here we go.

Links:

Roblox will allow exclusive experiences for people 17 and over

Roblox, explained - The Verge

Fortnite and Roblox are dueling for the future of user-built games - The Verge

Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

It was produced by Raghu Manavalan and Jackie McDermott and it was edited by Callie Wright.

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Our Editorial Director is Brooke Minters and our Executive Director is Eleanor Donovan.

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