Gen Z and its influence on the metaverse: playing Roblox

A few years ago, you would have been hard pressed to find websites, Early on, Minecraft dominated the sandbox video game genre, and most people (parents included) were familiar with Minecraft, an online platform where one can build one’s own world, play in it, and share it with others. BUT, what about Roblox AND why is it at least as important and famous as Minecraft?

Roblox is an online gaming platform where one can play video games designed by other users and create and share one’s own games using Roblox’s proprietary game development tool. Once signed in, one can play tons of games, develop, share creations, and chat with other users, ALL FOR FREE!! Many companies, such as Nike, Vans, Hyundai, and recently, Spotify, have created their worlds inside Roblox where users can visit, socialize with others, complete new quests, and much more. It has its unique art style, using two-dimensional views. (https://www.roblox.com/create)

Roblox has at least 47 million users daily and 67% are younger than 16 years old. This means that Gen Z is taking over the whole digital platform, and that they are deciding how the metaverse is being materialized and realized. While, we adults, are speculating over the metaverse, our kids are already living in it. Although this might not sound incredibly positive, it really can be a good thing; however, like anything, parental supervision is recommended.

Roblox uses a coding language called Lua, an accessible and simple to understand scripting language. The developers explain that learning this language, for creating then playing video games, can become a valuable tool to learn programming and game design. Beginning at an early age is beneficial as learning another programming language, such as C++, Java, or Python becomes easier to understand after one has developed an aptitude for programming (coding). While children create their own digital universe, they use their creativity and intellectual capacity without even realizing.

Unlike traditional video games, Roblox stimulates children and encourages them to create their own worlds and their own video games. In our digital era, saying no to technology, video games, or anything similar is extremely hard, so why not put a positive spin and encourage our children to create and explore. In the process, they develop the understanding and learn how to create video games, websites, and digital universes? It might be one of the best decisions for your child’s future.

If you would like to learn more about opportunities for children to learn how to create 2D and 3D video games, work with robotics, electronics, and much more, make an appointment to visit our center. You and your child will be glad you did!!