Roblox shifts towards adult users and dating while introducing a video calling feature

The company behind Roblox, the mega-popular game for children, has recently made several announcements outlining a significant shift towards adult users and dating experiences on the platform. For this, the company is expanding its demographic to include users aged 17 and above to enhance safety (one of the most consistent criticisms of the company). The platform will also introduce an AI tool for creating more realistic avatars, which will not only be used in the dating experiences but also as part of its new product "Roblox Connect," a video calling feature that sort of combines elements from Zoom and Bitmoji from Snapchat.

Roblox Connect enables users to make voice calls using their avatars in virtual spaces, complete with facial motion tracking for an immersive experience. The company plans to eventually have avatars mimic users' exact facial expressions, such as blinking rates. Roblox Connect is set to launch later this year, and the product will blend existing Roblox features like avatars, voice chat, and facial animations into a separate offering from its traditional gaming worlds.

Roblox is also aiming to enhance avatar movements for more realism, potentially including hand gestures and upper body movement, all compatible with basic consumer hardware. The company's objective is to integrate Hollywood-style motion capture capabilities into everyday devices like mobile phones and laptops. The company has among its objectives that Roblox is used for various purposes such as remote meetings for employees, fashion experiences, or live performances. Furthermore, the company revealed at its developer event that Roblox will soon be accessible on PlayStation 4 and PS5, aligning with its cross-platform approach.