Summary
The chat over atRobloxis about to become livelier and more colorful as the online game platform, which is predominantly used by minors, has finally allowed the use of strong language in certain experiences. These specific experiences, however, will still need to adhere to some rules.
Robloxpreviously prohibited any strong language in either text- or voice-based chat in its hosted games in accordance with the service’s community guidelines. As the platform defined strong language as anything vulgar and obscene, this ban covered all forms of swearing. While this policy was intended to provide allRobloxusers with safety, it has been criticized by some — particularly those who played experiences designed for people aged 17 and up — for not allowing these experiences to reach their full potential due to the lack of profanities.
TheRobloxdevelopers seemingly heard the complaints and announced on December 5 that strong language can now be used in 17+ experiences. In apost on theRobloxdeveloper forum, the team claimed this move was part of a vision to makeRobloxa platform for everyone by providing age-appropriate experiences and communication. Players, for example, can now yell out expletives in both text and voice chat should they encounter something scary during gameplay.
Any language that can be used to harass, discriminate, incite violence, threaten others, or that is sexual in nature is stillnot allowed inRobloxchat, the developers reiterated. Creators who choose to adopt the relaxed chat filter will have to comply withRoblox’sCommunity Standards as well, along with the separate policies for 17+ experiences. As strong language can only be allowed in chat, the developers also reminded creators that any public-facing content for these modified experiences such as texts and thumbnails, among other things, must still be appropriate for all ages.
To enable strong language inRoblox’s17+ experiences, users can go to the Creator Dashboard, then Audience, then Communication Settings, where they can toggle the Allow Strong Language option. Creators and collaborators of any 17+ experience with strong language turned on need to be at least 17 years and old and be ID-verified. The process toenable voice chat inRobloxis similar.
Roblox’sMay Creator Roadmap showed that relaxed text filters were planned for 13+ experiences as well, but the platform started with 17+ users as it wanted to prioritize a strong language roll out that focused on safety and civility.Robloxhas always tried to be considerate of the content of its gamesdue to its predominantly young player base.
While data showed that around 75% ofRoblox’susers are people under 18, the platform has slowly been trying to catch the attention of older audiences. It introduced 17+ experiences earlier this year, andRobloxcould even evolve into an online dating app, CEO David Baszucki previously hinted. AsRobloxhas always offered a wide variety of experiences to its users, Baszucki’s vision does not seem that far-fetched.
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WHERE TO PLAY
Roblox is home to an ever-expanding library of community-created worlds and experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for an epic role-playing adventure game or just want to hang out with your friends, there’s always something new and exciting to play.Connect with friends and millions of players from around the world across Xbox One, computers, smartphones, tablets, and virtual reality devices.Mix-and-match accessories, body parts, and more to customize your avatar. You can be anything you want to be: a ninja pirate, a mermaid princess, a robot wizard, the possibilities are limitless.
