Increasingly, governments across the globe have focused their attention on online services that do not take sufficient precautions to protect children from harmful content. These efforts have been aimed at social media services like Instagram and TikTok, and have been most recently aimed at online games. One country has taken the extraordinary step of banning these services entirely.
On August 7th, the Turkish government’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK), announced that it was banning the game Roblox. Roblox is free to play and massively popular, particularly with children and teens, with over 500 million downloads. Roughly 40% of Roblox’s estimated 77 million daily players are under age 13. Roblox is played entirely online and provides users with access to the Roblox Studio, where they can create their own games or play games that have been designed by other users. Roblox consists of over 40 million user-designed games. Many of these games offer in-game purchases using Roblox’s in-game currency, “Robux,” which can be purchased with real money outside the game. Many of the individual games allow direct player-to-player interaction through in-game messaging, and there is an optional live voice messaging function.
The Turkish government stated in its official announcement on X (formerly Twitter) that it was banning Roblox based on prevalent reports of sexual exploitation, pedophilia, exploitation of children, and lack of content oversight. The claims of child exploitation arise from Roblox’s model where children create content for Roblox without pay, or for “Robux,” while the company keeps the profits.
Similar accusations against Roblox have been made in the past. Bloomberg reported recently that Roblox had reported over 13,000 in-game incidents to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and that 24 predators have been arrested for grooming and abuse through the game. A group of U.S. parents have filed a lawsuit against Roblox claiming inadequate safety precautions and exposure of children to explicit content.
Although Turkey has now lifted its recent Instagram ban, there has been no news about lifting the ban on Roblox. Roblox has explained that they are working with local authorities to lift the ban, and that they wish to help all of their players and developers (many of which have careers based around the app) to get back online, and back to playing. Currently, there has not been much political interest in banning or restricting Roblox in the U.S., but this could change as further accusations come to light.
Ever since she announced the new project, she has been teasing some of the new songs. Fans are definitely intrigued by the new project, although we don’t know much about the features or even producers. Having said that, Ice Spice recently took to TikTok where she offered up a brand new snippet. However, she also debuted a new hairstyle that has seemingly been making waves. For instance, over on The Neighborhood Talk, fans have been making a whole bunch of jokes.
“Why she look like my Wii sports character BAHAHAHHAA,” one person wrote. “It’s giving Roblox,” said another. Many of the other comments were also in the same vein and it became one massive roast session. “Look like 2 firestick remotes underneath that hair,” said one fan. For now, fans seem to be a bit fixated on Ice Spice’s look. However, it will be the music that determines whether or not she is here to stay for years to come.
Let us know what you think of this new look from Ice Spice, in the comments section down below. Are you excited about the artist’s new album which is going to be dropping soon? Will you be listening and if so, what kind of features would you like to hear? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Slick Rick will forever go down in history as one of the GOATs in Hip-Hop. Born in the UK before relocating to New York, Slick Rick is best known for being part of Doug E. Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew, eventually creating Hip-Hop classics such as “The Show” and “La Di Da Di.”
Now, Slick Rick is making his mark in fashion as well. Most recently, the 59-year-old partnered with Pacsun to commemorate the first anniversary of Pacsun Los Angeles Tycoon on Roblox, offering a unique, one-of-a-kind virtual experience. With Slick Rick, best known for his unmatched storytelling as well as a fashion style, he’s able to bring his unique flair to the experience, bringing together his legacy of Hip-Hop with today’s metaverse.
Slick Rick states, “Collaborating with Roblox and Pacsun is a true honor. Together, we’re bridging generations, telling stories, pushing boundaries, and creating a vibrant virtual world where music intersects with technology, AI, and fashion. It’s a groundbreaking partnership that embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity that hip hop has always championed and a testament to the lasting impact and evolution of the culture,” said Slick Rick.
Richard Cox, VP of Men’s and Global Partnerships at Pacsun, adds, “Our digital community has been instrumental in shaping our presence on Roblox, and we wanted to bring them something special to celebrate the inaugural anniversary of Pacsun Los Angeles Tycoon. By integrating one of our fundamental pillars – music – into the fabric of our celebration and teaming up with a multi-platinum artist, Slick Rick, an icon synonymous with music, culture, and fashion, we’re delivering a fresh and exciting experience inside the virtual world and beyond.”
With this immersive collaboration, users can interact with Slick Rick’s 3-D NPC digital avatar to earn digital items and rewards inspired by his personal accessories: a crown, an eye patch, and a flying saucer watch. Fans can even enhance their look by customizing their avatars with Slick Rick’s signature style.
Additionally, Pacsun and Slick Rick launched a four-piece collection of limited-edition merchandise, available at Pacsun stores and online.
October is upon us, and with it comes the thrill of Halloween. For Roblox enthusiasts, this means diving into the world of horror games that the platform offers.
If you’re looking to get your heart racing and experience some spine-chilling adventures, Roblox has a plethora of options. Based on insights from Android Police, here are some of the scariest games on Roblox to play this Halloween season.
Roblox, known for its diverse game library, has a special corner dedicated to horror enthusiasts. From haunted mansions to eerie forests, there’s something for everyone. Here are some top picks:
The Apartment – A psychological thriller that will have you questioning reality. As you navigate through the apartment, the lines between the virtual and real world blur, making it a mind-bending experience.
Dead Silence– Venture into the world of the supernatural. With its intricate storyline and unexpected jump scares, Dead Silence promises an unforgettable horror experience.
The Rake – Based on the popular urban legend, this game challenges players to survive the night while being hunted by the mysterious creature known as The Rake.
Identity Fraud – A maze game with a twist. As you try to find your way out, you’ll come across doppelgangers trying to deceive and attack you. Trust no one!
BRAZIL – 2021/10/06: In this photo illustration the Roblox logo seen displayed on a smartphone. (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
One might wonder, with so many gaming platforms available, why choose Roblox for horror games? The answer lies in its unique user-generated content. Roblox allows creators to craft their narratives, leading to a wide variety of horror themes and stories. This means every game offers a distinct experience, making it a treasure trove for horror aficionados.
Moreover, the social aspect of Roblox adds another layer to the horror experience. Playing with friends or even strangers can amplify the fear factor, making it a communal experience of thrill and terror.
Play in the dark: To get the full horror effect, play these games in a dimly lit room or, better yet, in complete darkness.
Use Headphones: The eerie background music and sudden sound effects are best experienced with headphones. It not only enhances the game’s ambience but also makes jump scares more effective.
Dive into the story: Many Roblox horror games come with intricate storylines. Engage with them to get a deeper understanding and appreciation of the game.
FAQ – Roblox Horror Games
Q: Are Roblox horror games safe for kids?
A: While Roblox has many kid-friendly games, some horror games might be too intense for younger players. It’s essential to check the game’s content and reviews before letting kids play.
Q: Do I need to purchase any items to enhance my experience?
A: Most Roblox games are free to play. However, some might offer in-game purchases to enhance the experience or customize your character.
Q: Can I create my horror game on Roblox?
A: Absolutely! Roblox provides tools and platforms for users to create their games. If you have a horror story in mind, you can bring it to life on Roblox.
Q: Are there any multiplayer horror games on Roblox?
A: Yes, many horror games on Roblox allow multiplayer mode. You can team up with friends or play with strangers, adding to the thrill.
In conclusion, Roblox offers a unique blend of horror games that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, supernatural tales, or classic jump scares, Roblox has something in store for you. So, gear up this October and dive into the world of virtual horror. Happy Halloween!
Roblox CEO David Baszucki says that the company plans to launch a dating service for those 17 and older. He mentioned the idea during the Roblox Developers Conference (RDC) 2023 keynote on Friday. In doing so, he listed off 10 five-year predictions for Roblox.
“For 17+ verified people in 17+ experiences: Thousands of adults will meet for the first time in Roblox dating experiences and subsequently form real life relationships,” one prediction reads. Further details on the plan weren’t provided. Other ideas include having a school integrate a full K-12 curriculum with Roblox, having creators make more money from selling physical merchandise on Roblox than virtual merchandise, getting a Fortune 500 company to use a Roblox experience as part of their recruiting process, and more.
BRAZIL – 2021/10/06: In this photo illustration the Roblox logo seen displayed on a smartphone. (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
“The difficult thing about doing this live with all of you: these are etched in stone,” Baszucki said onstage. “So we are fully committed. These can never change. We will be here over the next four years, and we will see you in 2028 for the review of this. I’m shooting for 60 to 70 percent.” Additionally, Baszucki reviewed Roblox’s list of five-year predictions from 2018, which he says were 58 percent accurate. The company successfully had more than one million concurrent players in a Roblox game, had a Roblox developer earn more than $50 million in a year, and had a 100-person company developing on Roblox. However, they failed to get a US president to mention their Roblox avatar on camera and have Tesla use Roblox developers in a promotional effort.
Fans on social media aren’t loving the idea of a Roblox dating service. “Why did they make it 17+ and didn’t just make it 18+ one time,” one user asked. “Because the last thing you need is a 17 year old roblox player dating a 40 year old one.” Another joked, “Imagine finding out your parents met on roblox.”
Recently, a fan put together a story about Playboi Carti on Roblox. Starring in the video alongside Playboi Carti is the rapper’s ex, Iggy Azalea. The duo had their son Onyx back in 2020, and broke things off only a few months later. In this depiction, however, Playboi Carti is seen vying for the attention of his lost love. TikTok user @kingcarti1629 shared the video yesterday, and it’s now managed to get the attention of over 45K viewers.
In the TikTok, Iggy Azalea’s character is shown holding their son, as Playboi Carti tells her that he wants her back. She tells him “no,” claiming that the rapper was never there for her or their child. He’s left despondent, walking away to sit alone at a diner, and lie solemnly in a lake. “Will Carti ever drop???” a message on a billboard reads just before the video ends. It’s been nearly three years since the rapper released an album, and it appears as though this user felt it was important to the storyline.
Luckily for fans, it looks like Playboi Carti could be dropping new music sometime in the near future. Last week, DJ Scheme shared a snippet of one of the rapper’s unreleased tracks, and it got users thinking he’s on the verge of a new album. He also performed at Rolling Loud Miami last month, where he claimed that his next LP will arrive “ASAP.” The new album is rumored to be called “Music.”
As for Iggy Azalea, the Australian-born performer also looks to be gearing up for a new album. She dropped off a new single, “Money Come,” last week. She’s also recently gotten some backlash for her letter to a judge vouching for Tory Lanez. She’s previously called out her ex for not being around for their son, and alleged that he was abusive. Iggy also claims she doesn’t want her son “to be exposed to” the rapper’s behavior. Keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on Playboi Carti.
On September 18, 2020, Ava Max released her debut album, Heaven & Hell. Around that time, she celebrated the project’s release with a launch party. The event didn’t take place in some personally meaningful place like her hometown, or in a major city among the big lights. Instead, it happened on Roblox.
Some context: Earlier that year, the COVID-19 pandemic (you might be aware of it) forced the world to essentially shut down. This put the live entertainment industry on pause. Concerts and other in-person events were temporarily no more. Oof!
More context: Roblox, an online game creation platform, launched in 2006 and has grown substantially since then. It was reported in 2022 that Roblox had 57 million daily users (and that half of them were under 12 years old).
So, with both of those things in mind, Ava Max and her team decided to launch Heaven & Hell on Roblox. On September 25, the event began. After a countdown, a pre-recorded video message from Ava Max played, in which she spoke about the event, discussed her new album, and answered some questions. She then sang two songs before the video ended.
It was a neat experiment, as IRL events weren’t super possible at the time. So, Ava Max made the best of the situation and came through with something intriguing and different. Different, but also something of a return to normalcy: While the music industry was on hold, Ava Max pressed forward via the means available to her and delivered as close to a familiar experience as was possible.
It was also just the start.
A few weeks later, Lil Nas X got in on the Roblox fun. On November 14 and 15, the rapper put on quite the show. He opened with a performance of “Old Town Road” before a digital costume change and a rendition of “Rodeo” as bats flew above him. The environment allowed for some fantastical elements not possible in a real-life concert. As the Roblox Wiki describes, the show involved tornadoes, a shift to a futuristic setting, Lil Nas X levitating in front of the moon, and a black hole.
Those were the first two concerts experiences on Roblox, and from there, artists like Elton John, Mariah Carey, aespa, Soccer Mommy, Saweetie, and others hosted their own virtual events. Were they worse than in-person shows? Well, that’s hard to say.
Leaving the house, bringing your physical body to a different environment, and seeing artists in front of your face isn’t something that can be replicated on a phone, computer, or game console. It’s a special experience than can really only be felt that specific way. The thing is, though, that virtual concerts don’t need to be that. In terms of what an in-person show offers, virtual shows can’t do it. They just can’t. In other ways, however, they can present much more.
Stage design for major tours can be incredible, but Lil Nas X isn’t getting functional tornadoes and black holes on a real-life stage. Roblox has long been an open forum for imaginative expression for its users and the same has been true when it comes to virtual concerts. It’s an opportunity for artists to put on a concert in ways they could never pull off otherwise. Give the world’s most talented and creative entertainers a limitless environment and special moments are bound to result.
Furthermore, sometimes, committing a few hours to going downtown, finding parking, getting to the venue, watching a concert, and making your way home is a lot. Nights when that seems overwhelming are the perfect occasion to just open an app on your phone/computer and catch some more convenient live entertainment, to still get the feeling that you’re watching something grand unfold in the moment.
Worth noting is that as novel as this whole thing may seem, a Roblox virtual concert isn’t a completely new idea (and not just because Fortnite did it before them, like with the Marshmello event in February 2019). Roblox events represent what the live entertainment business has long been about: meeting people where they are.
Really, performers have been bringing their shows to the people for a long as it’s been possible: Shortly after the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, circuses started traveling to the western half of the US. People were in their hometowns and most of them presumably didn’t have the means for significant travel (especially for leisure), so the entertainers went to them.
From there, music tours eventually became a major business, and some performers went beyond even just showing up in people’s cities. In the ’90s and ’00s, music lovers young and old spent a lot of time at the then-thriving malls. So, artists like Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne got set up between Claire’s and the food court to get a performance in. That’s where the people were, so that’s where the artists were.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought more popularity to remote-friendly practices like working from home and consuming the majority of entertainment online. Folks were in their rooms and on the internet, so that’s where the artists went.
Again, Roblox isn’t the first video game platform to host a virtual concert: Shout out to Duran Duran for performing a Second Life show in 2006. Roblox was, though, a leader in bringing them to the mainstream at the perfect time. It’s where the people were, and it’s where the artists could be whatever they wanted to be.
In 2023, the live entertainment industry is at the point where concert tours have long been back in full swing. This doesn’t mean virtual events should go back and hide in their hole of obscurity, though. Video games and other online products are as popular as they’ve ever been, and musicians are more open-minded and creatively free than ever before when it comes to self-promotional strategies.
So yes, for most artists, in-person events will return to their spot as the live entertainment priority. There’s no reason why virtual concerts can’t be a piece of the puzzle, though. While they had to fill in as the main feature for a little bit, really, they’re a different side of the same coin, one that offers its own unique value. It’s all just meeting people where they are, and as where they are changes, artists, as they always have, adapt and push the industry in exciting new directions.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Saweetie has had a quiet year so far, but the Bay Area rapper is set to make a splash as she confirms her first big performance of the year will be at the Super Bowl — although, rather than playing at the big game itself (that’s Rihanna), her concert will be a virtual one within the popular Roblox platform.
According to Billboard, the Saweetie Super Bowl Concert will be a free show on Roblox presented by Intuit premiering on February 10 at 7:00 ET. It will re-air every hour on the hour until February 12. The set will be fully motion-captured and “family-friendly” according to Warner Music Group, which recently launched its Rhythm City partnership with Roblox. A screenshot provided by WMG shows what Saweetie’s in-game avatar will look like as she performs in a virtual “Intuit Stadium” (IRL, the Intuit Arena is currently under construction in Inglewood, California, and will be the home of the Los Angeles Clippers).
Warner Music Group
Meanwhile, Saweetie, who debut album Pretty Bitch Music has been one of hip-hop’s most anticipated through a string of delays, will continue to branch out in 2023. She’s billed to appear as herself in an upcoming episode of Peacock’s Bel-Air, and has been teasing new music as a follow-up to her six-song EP The Single Life.
Boy Meets Girl and House of Blueberry are releasing a four-piece digital fashion collection. The digital wearables are a representation of bestsellers for Boy Meets Girl in the physical world. Items such as leggings, sweatpants, and two signature T-shirts make up the virtual boutique that Roblox users can browse. Additionally, users can try on designs and create customized digital identities for their avatars.
House of Blueberry is on a mission to build the largest digital fashion house in the universe. They have had over 20 million assets sold, 10,000 stock-keeping units and more than 400,000 unique customers. The Roblox community has 43.2 million active daily users where nearly 67% are under the age 16. In an effort to set the standard high for their digital space, Boy Meets Girl will carry its anti-bullying mission forward into the metaverse through positive messaging in the Blueberry virtual boutique.
Stacy Igel, founder and chief creative officer of Boy Meets Girl said, “As someone who was an early adopter of virtual markets, this was a natural partnership for me. I’m thrilled to bring Boy Meets Girl into the metaverse in collaboration with House of Blueberry. During COVID-19, my son Dylan got to learn a lot about virtual worlds and has been teaching me about Roblox. So you can imagine how excited I am to share this collaboration and how excited he is too.” Roblox is dominated by the youth and many collaborations carried out via the platform shape the perspective of young boys and girls.
Mishi McDuff, chief executive officer and founder of Blueberry, added, “We love the mission of the Boy Meets Girl brand and can’t wait to bring that positive energy into the metaverse. We think the iconic Boy Meets Girl branding will really come to life on Roblox and make for a fun, welcoming virtual experience for our community.”
This project expands The House of Blueberry’s collaborations from past projects with Jonathan Simkhai and the Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen.” In the physical world, Boy Meets Girl has partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue, to carry its core kids unisex organic collection on Saks.com. The collection features an eight-piece sustainable kids collection, including its signature logo hoodies, sweatpants and Ts in mint, light pink, blue, black and heather grey.
The items will be sold exclusively in Blueberry’s metaverse fashion boutique and catalog on January 10th. The T-shirt, leggings, and hoodie sell for 85 Robux and the beanie for 65 Robux.
Roblox, the online game platform and game creation system that blew up in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, will host its first awards show on Saturday, April 30. The second-annual Song Breaker Awards will honor groundbreaking musicians in pop music, making moves through digital platforms like TikTok and YouTube. The show will also highlight musicians who’ve appeared on the Billboard Song Breaker chart such as breakout artist GAYLE. The show will be hosted by influencer Bretman Rock.
In addition to being the first awards show on Roblox, it will also mark the “metaverse” debut of Lizzo, who’s set to perform at the show, according to Billboard. In a statement, Lizzo said, “I’m excited to be making my metaverse debut with Logitech and to be performing ‘Special,’ which is a song that means so much to me. As a musician and creator, I love that Logitech Song Breaker Awards show recognizes the unique talent of all creators, and how each of them are making an impact on pop culture and music.”
