Hello, today I will be reviewing a game that is well known to many, whether it be for good or bad reasons. This game has 380 million monthly active users and is currently under fire for being an unsafe platform for children.
Many people, myself included, play Roblox because it offers a variety of games within one application. Having so many options means players can always find something new if they get tired of the same game. When I play, it's usually on my own or with my significant other. I typically gravitate towards horror games and multiplayer first-person shooters. Although the platform is often thought of as being for a younger audience, there are plenty of games that are enjoyable for the older demographic, such as "99 nights in the forest" and "rivals." When I want to just socialize, I can join a variety of social games specifically designed for players to chat and interact.
Roblox is currently being scrutinized for its lack of safety measures to protect its younger users from online predators. Despite numerous claims from CEO David Baszucki that the platform is safe, there have been multiple documented cases of grooming and kidnapping linked to the game's security flaws. The fundamental problem with Roblox being a game for all is that it allows for minors and adults to be active in the same servers, which is ultimately a flawed design for a platform with such a young demographic. While many adults choose not to interact with younger gamers, the possibility of harmful interactions remains a serious concern.
"I was groomed by a pedophile within the community, I'm spreading awareness to what's going on. Kids don't deserve to ever feel that way. I wanna stop it and educate. I do a lot of stuff that never makes it to the public eye."
— Schlep, YouTuber and victim of online grooming on Roblox
As YouTuber Schlep's powerful testimony highlights, the dangers are very real and personal. The company's recent actions, including banning "vigilante" users who actively work to expose predators on the platform, have only further fueled the controversy. This ongoing situation raises critical questions about corporate responsibility and the urgent need for more robust, effective safety protocols to protect the most vulnerable users.