Screen Studies: Roblox

Roblox

Not technically a game, but an online platform where users can create their own games for others to play. Users choose a game, called an experience, and play with others. Because anyone can publish, it’s an imaginative gaming playground. But, as it’s UGC, many games are hit or miss. It also feels like a wild, unmoderated smorgasbord.

The Basics:

Released: 2006

Platforms: PlayStation / Xbox / PC / Mac / Mobile

Pricing: Free to play, with in-game purchases available through a virtual currency called ‘Robux’

Whether you’re watching your kid play or wondering what it’s all about, here’s what you’ll be seeing on screen (PC/Mac version shown).

When you first open up the game, you’ll be at the Home Screen.

1. Nav panel - this allows you to go to the home screen, the Charts tab to find games (called experiences), customize your avatar, connect with friends and more (the more tab is where you’ll find settings & parental controls)

   

   A quick peek at some of the many avatar options that can be bought.

2. If you have friends, they will be shown here and what they’re playing

3. You can search for games to play here

4. Here’s where you can purchase Robux or see your notifications

   

   Current Robux Prices

5. This is a curated main screen where you’ll find trending and recommended games to play.

   1. The numbers under the pictures show the user rating and the current active players (when you are in the Charts tab)

Launches a new website where you can download the Roblox software to create your own experiences

You’ll most likely go to the Charts Tab where you can see a massive plethora of games in a wide range of categories:

When you click a game/experience tile, a new page will pop up with more info on the game, a closer look at the rating, current users, and total visits among other details.

When you’ve finally picked a game (click the giant Green play button), they all have different controls but on PC they all likely use the following:

• WASD keys to move forward, backward, left and right respectively

• The mouse is used to look around and click and interact

• Space Bar makes your character jump

• Shift Key usually makes your character sprint or run fast

• E is used to interact with the world as well

Two of the most popular games are Brookhaven RP & Blox Fruits:

Brookhaven RP - 

A roleplaying universe, where players “own and live in amazing houses, drive cool vehicles and explore the city. Be whoever you want to be in Brookhaven RP” - pretty much a Roblox hangout. You drop into a city and then just go around doing stuff, interacting with others and the world, and chatting. Roughly 800K+ active users.

Blox Fruits - 

A team based competitive game that is loosely based upon old school pirates with a twist of anime/super hero powerups. You pick one side, either Pirates or Marines, then do quests to get more experience, money, and equipment. Then “you can choose to fight against tough enemies or have powerful boss battles while sailing across the ocean to find hidden secrets” - roughly 500K+ active users.