Roblox players will now get virtual ad billboards for virtual worlds

Video advertisements will now be displayed on the virtual billboards within the Roblox metaverse, as the company embarks on yet another way to monetize its gamers.

The billboards will feature advertisements from the likes of e.l.f beauty, Walmart, HUGO, Warner Bros Discovery, and more.

While this opens up a whole new revenue stream for the Roblox company, it’s just another reminder of how commercially driven the game is as money is being squeezed out of every possible corner.

With almost 72 million daily active users on Roblox, the company could earn significantly more through advertising on the platform. It’s widely popular among children globally, with the brand reaching out to brands to connect with Gen Z consumers.

Today we announced that Roblox video ads are now available to any advertiser on the platform. This immersive ad format doesn’t require custom-built 3D content, and creates a scalable opportunity for brands to connect with Gen Z. https://t.co/Qz5x0XDlND pic.twitter.com/74rfiUWamd

— Roblox (@Roblox) May 1, 2024

Although the company says the video ads would only be seen by its community of users who are over the age of 13, the full safety verifications haven’t yet been disclosed which has left some concerned.

One user replied to Roblox’s news on the X platform (formerly Twitter) to say: “Knowing the target audience is effectively unregulated iPad kids just shows how evil of a corporation Roblox is.

“Roblox is quite literally one of the most dangerous, manipulative, and harmful online platforms ever.

“There needs to be heavy, strict legal regulations for them.”

Knowing the target audience is effectively unregulated iPad kids just shows how evil of a corporation Roblox is.

Roblox is quite literally one of the most dangerous, manipulative, and harmful online platforms ever.

There needs to be heavy, strict legal regulations for them. https://t.co/uaZjl3U0yL

— Before The Night