It’s time to trade in your swiping skills for building blocks. Roblox, known for its creative virtual worlds and younger demographic, is making a bold move into the dating scene. With a new feature for users over 21, the company is aiming to tackle the “loneliness epidemic” by providing a unique space for adults to connect and date virtually, hoping these digital connections will eventually spark real-life relationships.
Why Roblox is getting into the dating game
Roblox might be known for its digital playground of games and avatars, but its CEO, David Baszucki, has his sights set on something far more personal: love. Speaking on the Tech Stuff podcast last month, Baszucki shared an unexpected next step for the platform—facilitating romance among its adult users. “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,” he said.
This isn’t the first time Baszucki has hinted at this direction. He initially floated the concept of immersive, metaverse-based dating at the 2023 Roblox Developers Conference, describing a vision where users could build meaningful connections in virtual settings that might eventually lead to real-world relationships.
What’s driving this shift? According to Baszucki, it’s the growing epidemic of loneliness—particularly among younger generations. Citing research showing that 73% of Gen Z reports feeling lonely, the CEO framed the move as a way to offer low-pressure opportunities for genuine connection in a time when isolation is alarmingly common.
When can you start dating on Roblox?
If you’re eager to try Roblox’s new approach to virtual romance, you’ll have to wait a bit longer. The dating feature isn’t live yet—and under the platform’s current Community Standards, romantic relationships between players are still prohibited. That’s largely due to the platform’s core demographic, with around 39% of users under the age of 13. However, this new feature would carve out a space exclusively for ID-verified users aged 21 and up, creating a separate, age-restricted environment for adult connection. It’s a major shift in direction—one that acknowledges the platform’s roots while carefully building out a new layer of engagement for older users.
How people are reacting to Roblox dating
Reactions to Roblox’s foray into virtual dating have been a mix of surprise, skepticism, and unexpected curiosity. At first glance, some critics questioned the logic of addressing the loneliness epidemic through a digital platform that still leaves users physically isolated. To them, virtual dating—especially in a gaming space—felt like a natural result of burnout from traditional dating apps, rather than a real solution.
However, for others, the concept began to make more sense the longer they considered it. The idea of being wined and dined in the metaverse, where avatars take the spotlight and social pressure takes a back seat, has its appeal. As CEO David Baszucki pointed out, this low-stakes environment could help reduce the anxiety that often accompanies first dates—something especially relevant in an era where nearly half of young men aged 18 to 25 say they’ve never approached someone in person for a date.
Some also noted the practical perks of virtual courtship: less time spent prepping, no outfit stress, and no pressure to look physically perfect. In that way, the platform could allow users to focus more on intentional conversation.
Whether it becomes a meaningful alternative to traditional dating apps or simply a novel experiment in virtual connection, Roblox’s upcoming dating feature marks a fascinating evolution for the platform, and a telling sign of how digital spaces are adapting to real-world emotional needs.
Source: Tech Stuff, Cosmopolitan