How I Built This with Guy Raz

Roblox: David Baszucki

Aug 15, 2022

David Baszucki, the Founder and CEO of Roblox, shares the inspiring story behind the platform that lets users create and play millions of games. He reflects on his shift from educational software to launching Roblox in 2006, aiming for mass appeal. Baszucki discusses the platform's explosive growth during the pandemic and the challenges of ensuring safety for young users. He highlights the importance of creativity and community, as well as innovative monetization strategies that helped Roblox thrive. His journey underscores resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

01:01:57

Episode guests

David Baszucki

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Roblox offers diverse user-generated experiences and games for mass appeal.

Close collaboration between co-founders drove platform development despite differing perspectives.

Roblox's business model evolved from ads to virtual economy, focusing on long-term growth and financial stability.

Deep dives

Roblox: From Concept to Creation

Roblox, a popular online platform, offers a wide array of user-generated experiences and games. David Bazooki and his team navigated challenges, like content moderation and explosive growth during the pandemic. They emphasize creating a safe environment for users and continuously improving monitoring systems.

Intro

3min

From Physics Software to Roblox: An Entrepreneur's Journey

5min

From Manuals to Startups: A Programmer's Journey

18min

The Evolution of a Virtual World

4min

The Birth of a Virtual Playground

10min

Navigating Growth and Monetization

9min

Navigating Growth and User Safety Challenges in Roblox

4min

Navigating Challenges in Children's Platforms

14min

Reflections on Roblox's Journey and Future Listening Options

3min

In 2003, David Baszucki wanted to go viral. He had already sold a company that made educational software, and now he wanted to build something with mass appeal; with build-your-own avatars and myriad opportunities for users to compete and connect online. So in 2006, he and his co-founder Erik Cassel launched Roblox, a platform where you can play millions of different games, set in a wide array of virtual worlds.

You can adopt a pet, escape from jail, build and run your own restaurant, or solve a murder mystery; you can even create games of your own. During the start of the pandemic in 2020, half of the kids in the US were keeping in touch via Roblox, and today, the company is worth over 28 billion dollars.

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