Hey grown-ups,
Have you heard of Roblox? It’s very popular these days. I made this guide to help you understand what it is, how it works, and how you can help your kids stay safe and practice good digital citizenship while having fun!
What is Roblox?
Roblox is an online gaming platform. That means a place on the internet where people can go to play different games.
When somebody says that they are “playing Roblox,” it could mean one of a zillion different things. There are games where you run and jump over obstacles like Mario, games where you roleplay running a business like a pizza parlor, games where you shoot other players like Fortnite, and so much more.
How do I get on Roblox?
In order to play Roblox, you’ll need to download the Roblox App. You can find it wherever you download apps for your devices, like Google Play, or the Apple App Store. You can also find it online at Roblox.com. Once you have the app installed, you will need to make an account. If you’re at the library, you can log in using one of our special CPL library accounts.
How much does it cost?
Roblox is free to play. That means the app is free and you do not need to spend any money in order to play, but there are certain games and experiences that will offer special items, power-ups, or outfits that you can purchase.
These are bought using an in-game currency called Robux. Robux can be purchased with real money, either online with a credit card or at a physical store that sells gift cards.
Is it safe?
In order to control what types of content your kids have access to, Roblox offers robust parental controls.
Roblox offers user-generated games and experiences targeted towards all age groups. There are games suitable for young children and games meant for more mature adults. Some games will offer in-game chat features where players can interact with each other. The parental controls on Roblox allow caregivers to decide which of these features and types of content their kids will have access to.
You can read more about Roblox’s content moderation and parental controls here.
What does “user-generated” mean?
Roblox, the company, doesn’t make any of the games hosted on its platform. All of the content is created by other Roblox users.
When you download the Roblox App on your computer, you also get access to Roblox Studio, a program that lets you design, create, and publish your own games. It’s an easy-to-use and powerful tool for anybody who is interested in learning coding, design, or video game development.
Find the Library on Roblox
Our librarians have made a special game that you can play on Roblox. You can explore a recreation of the Children's Library and search for books that will give you special powers. You can find it here, or by searching for "CPLBLOX" in the Roblox app.
Happy gaming!
Thorndyke
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