Roblox Bets on Safety and Adults Over User Volume

Roblox reported strong financial growth in the first quarter (Q1) 2026, but its expanding safety measures continue to slow user gains. The platform recorded 132M daily active users (DAUs), down from 144M at the end of 2025 and 152M in Q3 2025. The decline reflects the impact of mandatory age checks and regional restrictions, even as engagement and spending increased.

Revenue rose 39% year-over-year to $1.4B, while bookings climbed 43% to $1.7B, signaling that existing users are spending more. Engagement followed the same trend, with total hours reaching 31B, up 43%, and monthly unique payers surging 52% to 31M.

However, net losses widened to $248M from $216M in the same quarter in 2025, reflecting the rising costs of sustaining that growth.

Roblox stated that the Q1 growth was affected by “greater-than-expected headwinds” tied to its age verification rollout, which slowed new user acquisition. A December 2025 ban in Russia also contributed to the decline.

Roblox Age Checks Reshape Growth Outlook and Platform Strategy

“Q1 2026 was another strong quarter of growth,” CEO David Baszucki stated, adding that Roblox is advancing its goal of building a large-scale platform focused on “safety and civility” and age-appropriate experiences.

Roblox has expanded its safety framework with age-based access controls and improved parental tools, with full rollout expected by June 2026.

Likewise, the company confirmed that 51% of global users and 65% in the US have completed age verification. It also recently agreed to pay over $12M to Nevada, requiring additional child-safety measures nationwide.

These changes are expected to affect near-term performance. Roblox now expects revenue growth of 20% to 25% in 2026, with bookings projected to increase between 8% and 12%.

At the same time, the company is targeting older users. Verified users aged 18 and above account for 26% of daily users, while engagement among US users aged 18 to 34 rose 50% YoY. Roblox is supporting this shift with a 42% increase in its Developer Exchange rate for spending from verified adult users, which will take effect on June 8, 2026.

The company also launched Roblox Plus, a $5 monthly subscription offering in-game discounts and other benefits.

Roblox’s results highlight a shift in priorities, balancing compliance and safety with growth. While user numbers declined, increased spending, engagement, and a focus on older audiences indicate a recalibrated strategy for long-term stability.