Roblox has launched a $35 million Creator Fund aimed at fostering “next-gen experiences” on the platform.
This fund marks a significant expansion in the types of content supported by Roblox’s program, moving beyond just gaming and into the realm of short-form videos.
With a user base of well over 60 million daily users, Roblox already brings in more revenue than some countries. Considering the uncertain future of TikTok in the US, with a potential ban looming, the introduction of a video service within Roblox holds significant potential.
Diversifying Beyond Gaming
Roblox had previously provided financial assistance to game developers and designers through its Game Fund. According to a report by Fast Company, this program has now evolved and been rebranded as the Creator Fund. This means that creators outside of the gaming industry, including IP holders, can now participate in the program.
“Roblox’s vision for creators is to enable the creation of anything, anywhere, by anyone,” explained Matt Curtis, the Vice President of Developer Relations at Roblox.
Furthermore, creators selected for the $35 million fund will have the opportunity to incorporate popular IPs, such as Avatar: The Last Airbender, into their content.
The potential for video content on such a massive platform is immense; Roblox has even supported the development of Neura’s Clip It tool, which allows users to create videos within the platform using custom avatars, animations, images, sounds, and more.
Expanding Content Opportunities
Roblox’s Creator Fund expansion opens up new possibilities for creators worldwide, offering funding for innovative projects beyond the traditional gaming sphere. Curtis stated, “As a platform, Roblox has already evolved far beyond games, and both the user and creator communities have expanded over the past few years. So, we’re bringing new opportunities to fund creators building new types of content for this.”
The inclusion of video content could be a game-changer for Roblox, potentially attracting a broader audience, particularly older demographics, if TikTok exits the US market. With Roblox’s solid track record, a new source of short-form video content backed by a well-established platform is likely to succeed, regardless of TikTok’s fate.
The concept of incorporating videos within Roblox is not entirely new. Last year, Spin Master launched its Bakugan Netflix series within Roblox, offering fans a shared viewing experience.
