Roblox

Roblox is a massively multiplayer online game created by developers David Baszucki and Erik Cassel, in which players are able to create their own virtual worlds using blocks of varying shapes, sizes and colors. Other members may also enter and socialize within his/her game. Complex games may be scripted via Lua, a programming language. Roblox also has a developed community which composes of many forums, groups and blogs.

History[]

In 2004, a beta version of Roblox titled Dynablocks was released. The following year, the game was renamed to Roblox. The name itself is derived from a portmanteau of "robots" and "blocks." From its official launch in 2006 to today, Roblox maintain significant player growth, with continuous updates providing an improved user interface, updated graphics and many new features to the game. As of 2016, Roblox has 4.4 million monthly active users. In early 2017, Roblox underwent re-branding, including a new logo and even a line of toys.

Erik Cassel's Death[]

On the morning of February 11th, 2013, co-founder Erik Cassel passed away after a 3 year-long battle with cancer. In remembrance, the Roblox admins created a memorial level dedicated to Cassel and the community gave their tribute by dressing as Cassel.

Community[]

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Gameplay[]

Roblox players are able to customize virtual avatars with a variety of heads, bodies, clothing and equipment. Additionally, players can create customize appearance items to sell in the in-game market. Players can participate in a variety of games, some of which are made by the Roblox community. The game allows players to meet friends within the virtual world and add them to a friends list.

Fandom[]

Many YouTubers regularly post Roblox gameplay videos, including DanTDM and FGTeeV. As of December 2016, the Roblox Facebook fan page has over 510,000 likes.

Public Contributions[]

2013 Philippines Relief Effort[]

One week after Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines, ROBLOX started a relief fund to donate money to those in the Philippines. The community has helped donate over $2,000.

2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge[]

On August 22nd, 2014, ROBLOX staff participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge and created a virtual ice bucket to be sold in which ROBLOX will donate all proceeds to ALS research.

Memes[]

Roblox Death Sound[]

The Roblox death sound is a short, one second sound clip used in the game. The sound effect is notably utilized in a varying degree of fan remixes on existing songs, with the most notable example titled "Every Starwars death but with the Roblox death sound" by YouTube user SparkeyFlarkey uploaded on December 21st, 2016, with over 1.5 million hits. Another video titled "300 but when someone dies the Roblox death sound plays" by Bladefury Games was uploaded on January 7th, 2017 and liked by the official Roblox YouTube channel.