Roblox Games has finally allowed creators to introduce a much less rigid chat filter that allows strong language in user-generated experiences.
Highlights
Roblox now allows foul language in some experiences, for older players who felt restricted by the previous ban on verbal abuse.
Relaxed chat filters remain in place with strict rules prohibiting bullying, discrimination, violence, and sexual content for the sake of safety and civility.
Content creators 17 and older are allowed to use strong language in chat, but all public content must be appropriate for players of all ages.
It is hoped that Roblox chat will become more vibrant and colorful if online gaming platforms used primarily by minors finally allow the use of foul language in some experiences. However, these specific experiences must still follow certain rules.
Roblox Games had already banned obscene language in text or voice chat in its hosted games, according to the service’s community guidelines. Since the platform defined obscene language as anything vulgar and obscene, the ban covered all forms of profanity. Although the policy was intended to ensure the safety of all Roblox users, it was criticized by some, particularly those playing experiences designed for people over the age of 17, as these experiences could not reach their full potential due to the lack of swear words.
The creators of Roblox seem to have heard the complaints and announced on December 5 that strong language can now be used in experiences for over-17s. In a post on the Roblox developer forum, the team said that the change is part of a vision to make Roblox a platform for everyone, providing age-appropriate experiences and communication. For example, players can now shout profanities in text and voice chat if they encounter something scary while playing.
Creators were reminded that language that is harassing, discriminatory, incites violence, could be used to intimidate others, or is sexual is still not allowed in Roblox chat. Creators adopting the relaxed chat filter must also adhere to the Roblox Community Standards, along with a separate policy for 17+ experiences. We also reminded creators that all audience-facing content in the modified experience, including text and thumbnails, must still be appropriate for all ages, as developers can only allow strong language in chat.
To enable strong language in Roblox Games 17+ experiences, users can go to the Creator Control Panel, Audience, and Communication Settings, and enable the Allow Strong Language option. Creators and collaborators with 17+ experience with strong language enabled must be at least 17 years old and their identity must be verified. The process for enabling voice chat in Roblox is similar.
According to the roadmap from the creators of Roblox in May, a free text filter was planned for users over 13, but the platform was launched for users over 17 to prioritize the release of strong language, with a focus on safety and civility. Roblox has always tried to be careful with the content of its games since its player base is essentially young people.
Data shows that around 75% of Roblox Games users are under 18, but the platform has been gradually working to attract a wider audience. Having introduced more than 17 experiences earlier this year, Roblox has the potential to evolve into an online dating app, as CEO David Bazuki has previously suggested. Having always offered users a range of experiences, Roblox’s vision doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
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