Microsoft’s Minecraft provides a somewhat similar service for kids to build their own games, while companies like Unity Software offer tools for building games on multiple platforms.įurthermore, Roblox could be squeezed financially if Apple and Google-on whom it depends for distributing the mobile version of its app-demand a bigger cut of its mobile gaming revenue. Still, the gaming market is crowded, creating huge challenges for Roblox in the years to come.

With Roblox’s rapid growth and strong gaming brand, the deal is among the most anticipated of 2021 among investors. Now the seventeen-year-old company is moving to set the stage for its next wave of growth by going public via a direct listing of its shares. kids ages 9 to 12 use the platform to play games, but also to chat and show off their skills.Īdditionally, users can create new games on Roblox, using the free software the company provides. That’s because Roblox, despite lacking cutting-edge graphics and many tie-ins to superhero movies, has become one of the most popular places for kids 13 and younger to gather together online. Ask any 10-year-old what they’ve been up to during the pandemic and you’re likely to get a consistent answer: playing video games on fast-growing gaming service Roblox, which is listing its shares publicly on Wednesday.

Roblox goes ipo