What is Roblox?
Roblox is an online platform that allows users to create and play games. Unlike traditional video games, Roblox is not just a single game but a vast universe of user-generated games and experiences. Think of it as a digital playground where users can explore, create, and socialize. It's a combination of gaming, creativity, and social interaction.
Roblox is fun for kids because it offers endless possibilities. With millions of games available, there’s something for everyone, whether you are into action-packed adventures, creative building, or simple puzzle games.
The platform also allows for a high level of creativity. Players can create and design their own games and share them with the community. This creative freedom is both engaging and educational, as it encourages problem-solving, creativity, and elements of beginner-level coding.
How to play Roblox
Roblox is available on multiple devices, including PCs, Macs, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles like the Xbox; basically, any device that allows you to log in to your Roblox account.
To start playing, you need to create a free account. Once you are logged in, you can choose from millions of games created by other users. These games range from simple obstacle courses (obbies) to complex role-playing adventures.
In most games, players control an avatar, a digital character that represents them in the game. The controls are usually straightforward, often involving basic keyboard and mouse actions or touchscreen taps. On computers, you can access Roblox Studio, where you can create your own games to share on the platform. This tool teaches the basics of game design and coding.
One of Roblox’s most appealing features is its social aspect. While your child can certainly play games alone, many Roblox games are designed for multiplayer experiences. Players can join friends in games, chat with them, and even collaborate on projects.
Many games also involve interactions with strangers. In the privacy settings of the game, you can choose if chatting with other players is allowed. This social interaction is a big part of what makes Roblox fun, as it allows kids to connect with friends and meet new people from around the world, and adds an unpredictable and social element to the game.
Recommended age
Roblox is recommended for children aged 7 and up, but it’s essential to set parental controls based on your child’s maturity level. Be advised that not all games on the platform are suitable for young players. The games don’t always show age limits, and if they do, they are often set by the game creators themselves, based on a subjective estimate.
Roblox offers privacy settings that allow parents to restrict who can interact with their child and what content they can access. It’s a good idea to play Roblox with your child or explore the platform and the different games they like to play, to better understand which games are suitable for them and which are not.
What to be aware of
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Chat features and communication: Roblox has chat features, which means your child can communicate with other players. While Roblox has moderation systems to filter out inappropriate content, it's still important to check the privacy settings and discuss online safety with your child, such as not sharing personal information and knowing how to block or report users who behave inappropriately.
It is a good idea to be aware if your child experiences mean comments or behavior from another player.
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In-game purchases: Roblox also offers in-game purchases through its virtual currency, Robux. Players can use Robux to buy cosmetic items for their avatars, access special game features, or enhance their gaming experience. If you purchase Robux for your child, setting spending limits and discussing the value of money can help manage these purchases. Additionally, be aware if your payment details are stored on the account from a previous purchase, enabling your child to buy Robux with a few clicks.
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Age-appropriate content: Not all games on Roblox are for young kids. It can be a good idea to talk with your child about which games are okay to play on Roblox. Some might be scary or violent, and others might be very stressful. Some games have a suggested age limit, but this limit is given by the creators themselves and not verified by the platform or professionals.
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Screen time: We need to be mindful of excessive screen time when playing on this highly stimulating platform. With the endless selection of colorful and intriguing games to spark curiosity, this platform can easily retain the player, making it hard to leave.
Key terminology
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Avatar: Your character or persona in Roblox, which you can customize with different outfits, accessories, and animations.
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Obby: Short for "obstacle course," these are popular types of games in Roblox where players must navigate through a series of challenging obstacles.
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Tycoon: A genre of games in Roblox where players build and manage their own businesses, earning in-game currency to expand their operations.
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Robux: The virtual currency that can be purchased and used in the game to buy items like clothing, accessories, and special abilities for your avatar.
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RBLX: A shorthand or abbreviation for Roblox, often used by players when chatting.
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Game Pass: A purchasable upgrade in a specific game that grants special abilities or access to exclusive content within that game.
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VIP Server: A private server that players can rent to play a game with only their friends, avoiding the public game servers.
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Noob: A term used to describe a new or inexperienced player, often in a playful or teasing manner. It’s a common term across many gaming communities, not just Roblox.
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AFK: An acronym for "Away From Keyboard," meaning the player is temporarily not playing or interacting with the game.
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Grinding: The act of repeatedly performing tasks in a game to earn rewards or advance levels. In Roblox, this often refers to collecting resources, currency, or experience points.
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Dev: Short for "Developer," this refers to the creators of games on Roblox. Roblox allows users to create and publish their own games, and these creators are commonly referred to as "Devs."
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Script: A piece of code that players can use to create or modify actions and behaviors in Roblox games. Scripting is a big part of game development on the platform.
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Limiteds: These are special items in Roblox that are only available for a limited time and can be resold to other players, sometimes at a higher value.
- Skins: Virtual accessories that allow the user to customize the appearance of their avatar to make it more personal and to stand out from the basic, mandatory avatar they otherwise start with on the platform.
