By Cecilia D’Anastasio, Bloomberg
Roblox Corp. is facing criticism from three advocacy groups who say the parental approval required before children can play games involving “sensitive issues” like marriage equality and pay equity in sports will cause more harm than good.
Out Making Games, Women in Games and BAME in Games, which represents Black, Asian and minority employees in the industry, signed a letter Tuesday calling Roblox’s policy “a step backward for both creative expression and social justice.”
The groups are concerned about Roblox’s decision to include issues like reproductive rights and affirmative action among the sensitive topics. Other issues identified by the company include immigration, capital punishment, gun control and vaccination.
“By categorizing equality and human rights as ‘sensitive,’ the platform treats them as debatable rather than fundamental,” the groups said.
The video-game giant asked developers in August to flag titles involving potentially divisive social, political or religious content. The platform automatically blocks children under 13 from playing those games, although parents can allow access.
The advocacy groups said 11% of US gamers identify as LGBTQ and 89% of them say being represented in games benefits their mental health.
Companies from retailers to TV networks have been wrestling with how to handle pressure over cultural hot-button issues. Unlike traditional video-game publishers that create their games, Roblox relies on titles developed by third parties, sharing the resulting revenue.
Roblox assessed topics for “polarized viewpoints” and a “strong emotional response.” In an August blog post, the company said “this descriptor is not intended to take a stance on any sensitive issue.”
In response to the advocacy groups, Roblox said it welcomes and values creativity and expression.
“We also respect that families around the world have different approaches to discussing certain topics with their children and want to empower parents to determine what content is appropriate for their family,” a Roblox spokesperson said. The policy impacts “very few experiences on Roblox.”
Roblox, based in San Mateo, California, recently announced changes restricting certain experiences based on age and maturity after criticism that the platform facilitated inappropriate content and child predation. It will adopt age ratings from the International Age Rating Coalition.
The company does permit children under 13 to play games with guns.
The three advocacy groups said they support Roblox’s efforts to keep children safe online.
“The company has built something remarkable over nearly two decades,” they said. “It would be tragic to see that legacy undermined by policies that, intentionally or not, perpetuate the very inequalities that creative expression has the power to challenge and change.”
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