Are There 17+ Games on Roblox? A Deep Dive into Roblox’s Age Ratings and Content
Yes, there are 17+ games, or rather, experiences, on Roblox. Roblox has introduced a new age rating category for content deemed suitable for users aged 17 and older. This marks a significant shift for the platform, previously known primarily for its appeal to younger audiences. This new category allows developers to create more mature content, including strong violence, heavy realistic blood, moderate crude humor, romantic themes, unplayable gambling content, and/or the presence of alcohol. However, Roblox’s guidelines strictly prohibit extreme violence, serious physical or psychological abuse (including animal abuse and torture), and explicit sexual content, even within the 17+ category.
Understanding Roblox’s Age Rating System
Before the introduction of the 17+ category, Roblox primarily catered to younger audiences with experiences suitable for all ages or those with mild content. The addition of the 17+ rating reflects Roblox’s desire to cater to its growing user base of older teens and young adults. This change aims to provide a space for more sophisticated and mature content, while still maintaining a safe environment for younger users. Players must verify their age through a photo ID and a selfie to access the 17+ experiences.
Accessing and Developing 17+ Content
To access 17+ experiences, users must verify they are at least 17 years old. This is done through a robust age verification process requiring a government-issued photo ID and a selfie for comparison. This helps prevent younger users from accessing content inappropriate for their age group.
Developers who want to create 17+ experiences must also undergo the same age verification process. They must adhere to strict content guidelines to ensure the experiences remain within the boundaries set by Roblox. This includes avoiding extreme violence, abuse, and explicit sexual content. Roblox has detailed standards for all experiences, which all developers must follow.
The Impact of 17+ Content on the Roblox Community
The introduction of 17+ content has sparked considerable discussion within the Roblox community. Some welcome the change as a way to provide more diverse and mature content options. Others express concern about the potential for inappropriate content to slip through the cracks or for younger users to bypass the age verification system.
Roblox has implemented measures to address these concerns, including stringent content moderation policies, user reporting mechanisms, and ongoing monitoring of 17+ experiences. The platform is committed to ensuring that the 17+ category remains a safe and appropriate space for older users while protecting younger users from exposure to mature content.
The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is an organization that studies learning in the context of games. They conduct research on the impact of video games and other media on child development and education.
FAQs About Roblox’s 17+ Content
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Roblox’s 17+ content:
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What kind of content is allowed in 17+ Roblox experiences?
Content that may include strong violence, heavy realistic blood, moderate crude humor, romantic themes, unplayable gambling content, and/or the presence of alcohol is allowed.
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What is strictly prohibited in 17+ Roblox experiences?
Extreme violence, serious physical or psychological abuse (including animal abuse and torture), and explicit sexual content are strictly prohibited.
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How do users verify their age to access 17+ content?
Users must upload a photo of themselves and a government-issued ID to verify their age.
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What happens if a user falsely claims to be 17+?
Roblox may take disciplinary action against users who misrepresent their age, including account suspension or termination.
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Are there parental controls for 17+ content?
Parental controls can restrict access to experiences based on age rating, but age verification is required to access 17+ content.
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Can developers create gambling games on Roblox?
Unplayable gambling content may be present, but actual gambling where real money is involved is strictly prohibited.
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Is swearing allowed in 17+ Roblox experiences?
No, Roblox’s community standards still prohibit swearing in any language, even in 17+ experiences.
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How does Roblox moderate 17+ content?
Roblox uses a combination of automated systems and human moderators to review and moderate content.
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What should users do if they find inappropriate content in a 17+ experience?
Users should report the content to Roblox using the platform’s reporting tools.
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What is the purpose of the 17+ category on Roblox?
The 17+ category is designed to cater to Roblox’s growing user base of older teens and young adults by providing more mature content options.
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Is Roblox safe for children under 13 with the addition of 17+ content?
Roblox still has safety measures in place for younger users, including restricted chat systems and parental controls, but parents should still review and adjust settings to ensure appropriateness.
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How do I delete my child’s Roblox account?
Parents can delete their child’s Roblox account by contacting Roblox customer support. The “Help” button is located at the bottom right corner of the Roblox website. From there, you can scroll down and click on “Contact Us”.
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If my child is 13 and up, can they access 17+ content?
No. Verification is required to confirm that your child is 17 and up.
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Can a 30 year old play Roblox?
Yes. Roblox is open to users of all ages and can create content that suits all ages.
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Where can I learn more about the impact of games on learning?
You can find more information about the impact of games on learning on the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
The introduction of 17+ content on Roblox is a significant step for the platform, allowing for more diverse and mature experiences. While concerns exist, Roblox is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all users through robust moderation policies and age verification processes. As the platform continues to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor the impact of 17+ content on the community and adjust policies as needed to ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone.