Roblox Updates Marketplace to Empower Creators

Roblox is rolling out significant updates to its marketplace, aimed at helping creators grow their businesses on the User-Generated Content (UGC) platform. These changes will allow creators to sell avatar bundles, which include bodies, clothing, and accessories, both in the Marketplace and within experiences themselves. This update marks a major step forward for creators and will be introduced in the coming months.

New Avatar Bundles for Easier Shopping

Currently, creators can only sell individual items in the Marketplace and within experiences. However, Roblox claims that adding bundles will simplify the buying and selling process. “Selling avatars and items as a bundle is much more convenient for people,” said the company. “They’ll be able to shop for full looks all at once rather than piece by piece.” Roblox recently launched a new way to search for avatar bundles and has already seen positive results. More users are now shopping for complete looks rather than individual accessories.

This update not only benefits users but also provides creators and brands with new ways to showcase their full creative vision. By offering complete bundles, creators can build stronger connections with their audience and increase their earnings.

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Marketplace Expansion and Creator Growth

This update is part of a broader effort by Roblox to expand and improve its Marketplace. Earlier in 2024, Roblox opened up Marketplace creation to more users, aiming to create a more personal, dynamic, and accessible storefront. Since then, the creator community has grown significantly. The number of 3D avatar items created by users has increased by 22 percent, and over 4,800 new creators have joined the platform. These newcomers accounted for 35 percent of total creator earnings in June 2024.

Roblox also introduced new “economic levers” in April, including dynamic price floors and publishing advances. These changes have had a positive impact on the platform. The number of creators earning 50,000 Robux per month increased by 85 percent year-over-year in June 2024. Total monthly creator earnings have also risen by 61 percent year-over-year.

The benefits extend to both new and existing creators. Roblox’s original UGC Program members have seen their total earnings growth accelerate from 30 percent year-over-year in March to 50 percent in June.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite these positive developments, Roblox has faced challenges and criticisms. Earlier this year, the Turkish government banned Roblox, raising concerns about the platform’s approach to safeguarding children. In July, Bloomberg reported that Roblox employees also expressed concerns that the company isn’t doing enough to combat predatory behavior, particularly targeting minors.

Additionally, Roblox has been criticized for a business model that some claim exploits and under-compensates young developers. In response, studio head Stefano Corazza defended the platform, arguing that Roblox empowers creators to become professionals.