Latest news with #DavidBaszucki
Cosmopolitan
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
So Who's Ready to Find Love on Roblox?
Once upon a time, Roblox was where your younger cousin spent hours absorbed in role-playing simulations with strangers across the country. Now, the gaming platform has become somewhat of a one-stop shop, hosting everything from virtual music festivals to political protests (well-organized ones). It could also be where you meet the love of your life. This week, Roblox's CEO, David Baszucki, spoke about his next big goal for the brand: romance. During an interview on the Tech Stuff podcast, David said, 'I think a lot of people who are too afraid to go on a real-life date might find it easier to have a virtual date to start, and then if they connect, move to the physical world.' David actually soft-launched the plan to facilitate immersive dating experiences back at the 2023 Roblox Developers Conference. In practice, this would allow users to go on dates with other users they've met in the metaverse, which would ideally result in 'real-life relationships.' David cited the 'loneliness epidemic' as the reason this is needed. There's a pretty depressing stat that states 73% of Gen Z struggles with loneliness, which does make any attempt to inspire real-life connections feel a bit urgent. Unfortunately, if you're ready to start testing this function out, the virtual dating option isn't live yet. Currently, online dating and romantic relationships between players are actually explicitly prohibited per Roblox Community Standards. And that's mainly because Roblox users famously fall on the younger side (39% of users are younger than 13). But this new dating service would be reserved for the opt-in, ID-verified 21+ users on the platform. My first reaction was that it seems counterintuitive to combat the loneliness epidemic on a digital platform that allows you to date while physically isolated. And VR dating does feel like a product of late-stage traditional dating app fatigue. But after spending time with my imagination, I've become open to the idea of being wined and dined via Roblox. As David noted, it does alleviate a lot of the nerves that come with first dates in real-life dates. And maybe it's more necessary given how hesitant people are to make moves these days. (A study found that almost half of young men 18-25 say they've never approached someone for a date in person) Maybe there will be connections made in the metaverse that would've never come together in real life. There's also much less prep involved in getting ready for a virtual date. Why shave your legs when you can just log on and let your avatar look good on your behalf? And with all of those physical pressures lifted, maybe this feature will allow daters to place a greater focus on asking intentional questions. We can treat the metaverse dating period like the pod-dating episodes on Love Is Blind—a window for pure 'getting to know you' conversations without all of real life's external pressures. For that reason, I'm willing to treat Roblox dating with all the sincerity that I would have getting drinks with a Hinge match.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'I think of Roblox as a platform to help loneliness': CEO suggests Roblox could become a dating space for adults
Image via:In a bizarre and surprisingly controversial twist, Roblox CEO David Baszucki has presented a vision for the beloved online game's future, one that potentially positions it as a destination for grown-up romance and online dating. Speaking on the TechStuff podcast, Baszucki doubled down on his vision of Roblox fighting what he called a 'loneliness epidemic' by enabling consenting adults to connect in safe, immersive virtual experiences. His statement, 'I think of Roblox as a platform to help loneliness,' has attracted both interest and controversy. From Kids' Playground to Adult Matchmaking? Historically viewed as a haven for younger users, Roblox's reputation as an online sandbox is fundamentally tied to its extensive library of games and user content. The company has been quietly transforming that image since June 2023, when it launched a mature rating for experiences that contain romance, alcohol and even extreme violence, available only to verified adults. Now, Baszucki is propelling the platform even deeper into adult-land. He imagines a Roblox where grownups go to virtual movie nights, concerts, and mixers for dating and making new connections. Roblox Still wants to Allow Online Dating... Thousands of adults will first meet in Roblox dating experiences and then meet in real life, Baszucki had already proclaimed in a 2024 keynote. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo His latest remarks just cement the firm's plans to turn this into reality. Virtual Dates, Actual Connections? Baszucki thinks the concept might particularly resonate with daters who are reluctant. A lot of people who are too afraid to go on a real-life date might find it easier', he observed. This strategy, he contends, could lull users into relationships that would eventually transition into real-life alliances. roblox, don't do this... Roblox having adult dating experiences is a bold concept, to say the least and not without some controversy. The platform's bread and butter has been younger players for years, making many doubt whether this shift can be accomplished responsibly and well. As Roblox grows up, one thing's certain, Baszucki envisions more than just pixels and play. He envisions digital dating, connection and perhaps even love. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Express Tribune
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Roblox CEO says platform could help adults experience virtual dating
Roblox CEO David Baszucki has stated his vision for the platform to become a space where consenting adults can form relationships through virtual dating experiences. Speaking on the TechStuff podcast, Baszucki explained that Roblox could help address what he described as a 'loneliness epidemic' by allowing adults to connect in a digital environment. 'Thousands of adults will meet for the first time in Roblox dating experiences and subsequently form real-life relationships,' Baszucki said in a 2024 presentation. In 2025, he reiterated, 'I think a lot of people who are too afraid to go on a real-life date might find it easier to have a virtual date to start, and then if they connect, move to the physical world.' Roblox, which introduced a higher maturity rating in 2023, allows content with romantic themes, alcohol references, and crude humour for verified users. Adults must provide identification documents to access such content on the platform. Baszucki said he envisions Roblox providing opportunities for adults to attend virtual movie screenings, concerts, and mixers to meet others in a comfortable online setting. 'I think of [Roblox] as a platform to help loneliness and help bring connection,' Baszucki said, adding, 'Can we do this in a way that is more civil and higher quality than any other company could?' Roblox has traditionally attracted a younger demographic, but the company is focusing on expanding experiences for mature users.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oppenheimer Hikes Roblox (RBLX) Price Target to $125 on Solid Growth Prospects
Roblox Corporation (NYSE:RBLX) is one of the 12 best cryptocurrency and blockchain stocks to buy. On June 18, Oppenheimer raised its stock price target to $125 from $80 while reiterating an 'Outperform' Rating. The adjustment follows growing confidence that the company has a better solution for user growth and user retention than most game publishers. Image: David Baszucki (Courtesy of Roblox) Analysts at Oppenheimer are optimistic that the company's recommendation algorithm will likely give it an edge in the TikTok era, where trends emerge organically. Consequently, they expect Roblox to benefit as studios move toward 'a game publisher model,' where they spend more time identifying trends. In addition, Oppenheimer has cited increasing content velocity and robust technology infrastructure that underscores Roblox's long-term prospects. The research firm is also optimistic about the company's sustainable user growth momentum and ad revenue potential. It is also confident about Roblox's long-term market share gain potential from competing gaming platforms. Roblox Corporation (NYSE:RBLX) develops and operates a global platform that allows users to create, share, and play games and experiences with each other. It owns a virtual currency called Robux, which is used for in-game purchases and can be converted to real-world currency by developers. It has also explored the potential of blockchain technology and digital assets. While we acknowledge the potential of RBLX as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oppenheimer Hikes Roblox (RBLX) Price Target to $125 on Solid Growth Prospects
Roblox Corporation (NYSE:RBLX) is one of the 12 best cryptocurrency and blockchain stocks to buy. On June 18, Oppenheimer raised its stock price target to $125 from $80 while reiterating an 'Outperform' Rating. The adjustment follows growing confidence that the company has a better solution for user growth and user retention than most game publishers. Image: David Baszucki (Courtesy of Roblox) Analysts at Oppenheimer are optimistic that the company's recommendation algorithm will likely give it an edge in the TikTok era, where trends emerge organically. Consequently, they expect Roblox to benefit as studios move toward 'a game publisher model,' where they spend more time identifying trends. In addition, Oppenheimer has cited increasing content velocity and robust technology infrastructure that underscores Roblox's long-term prospects. The research firm is also optimistic about the company's sustainable user growth momentum and ad revenue potential. It is also confident about Roblox's long-term market share gain potential from competing gaming platforms. Roblox Corporation (NYSE:RBLX) develops and operates a global platform that allows users to create, share, and play games and experiences with each other. It owns a virtual currency called Robux, which is used for in-game purchases and can be converted to real-world currency by developers. It has also explored the potential of blockchain technology and digital assets. While we acknowledge the potential of RBLX as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. Sign in to access your portfolio
