Summary
A fan has highlighted aRobloxgame calledUltimate Speed Simulatorthat requires real money to purchase instead of Robux. This is part ofRoblox’s newly announced economic model that gives developers the ability to price their paid access experiences in real currency, sparking a conversation in the game’s community about the platform’s future.
Robloxserves as an online platform for gamers to create and share their own video games.Robloxoffers a wealth of user-generated contentspanning many gameplay styles and genres, allowing players to access the platform for free and make purchases using a currency called Robux.Robloxhas been around since 2006, is highly popular, and enjoys a solid player base with millions of monthly active users. It has, nevertheless, drawn some criticism, particularly in relation to problems like microtransactions. Now,Robloxis introducing a new economic model to the platform.
The fan, known as SpecificPassenger596, shared on Reddit a screenshot of aRobloxracing gamecalledUltimate Speed Simulator, highlighting its $9.99 price tag. The fan wrote in their post, “It’s real, it’s coming,” referring to the replacement of Robux with real money. The description ofUltimate Speed Simulatorreads: “First game to be featured with paid access.” This development sparked a long discussion on SpecificPassenger596’s post aboutRoblox’s ups and downs and how this change could affect the platform.
Some players are downhearted about this, believing that charging real moneyforRobloxgameswill eventually mean the “end of true enjoyment” on the platform. Other players accusedRobloxof turning into a “money grab,” with some even arguing that the company is not respecting its long-term users. One player said they felt sorry for the platform, thinking that if charging real money for games becomes standard practice,Robloxwill eventually lose many players. However, the vast majority of experiences onRobloxwill remain free, according to thedeveloper.
Recently, theRobloxcommunications team provided a statement about the announced changes: “AtRoblox Developer Conference 2024, we announced new economics, where developers will be able to price their paid access experiences for purchase in real currency on computer and web and earn a higher revenue share. Experiences selling at $9.99, $29.99, $49.99 will receive 50%, 60%, and 70% revenue share, respectively (purchased on computer and web, in real currency). While the vast majority of experiences onRobloxare and will remain free based on how our economy works, we want to support creators who are used to the different economics that are available offRoblox, particularly on consoles and PCs. While paid access is not an entirely new business model for experiences onRoblox(there have been existing paid access experiences prior to this launch), we’re excited to expand and improve upon the paid access model and provide creators with more ways to earn. Read more in ourDevForum.”
Even though most players feel let down by this, a few still believeRobloxhas some excellent games that make the platform worth playing.Robloxhas faced various controversies recently, with issues ranging from video game addiction to accusations that the platform artificially inflates player counts and engagement metrics.
According toRoblox’s developer, allowing players to buy games with real money is part of a broader new economic model to support creators on consoles and PCs. The changes will expand paid access options, making it easier for creators to earn. So far, someRobloxplayers are not happy with the direction the platform is taking in this regard.
Roblox
WHERE TO PLAY
Roblox is the ultimate virtual universe that lets you create, share experiences with friends, and be anything you can imagine. Join millions of people and discover an infinite variety of immersive experiences created by a global community!MILLIONS OF EXPERIENCESIn the mood for an epic adventure? Want to compete against rivals worldwide? Or do you just want to hang out and chat with your friends online? A growing library of experiences created by the community means there’s always something new and exciting for you every day.EXPLORE TOGETHER ANYTIME, ANYWHERETake the fun on the go. Roblox features full cross-platform support, meaning you can join your friends and millions of other people on their computers, mobile devices, or VR headsets.BE ANYTHING YOU CAN IMAGINEBe creative and show off your unique style! Customize your avatar with tons of hats, shirts, faces, gear, and more. With an ever-expanding catalog of items, there’s no limit to the looks you can create.
