Roblox Exploits Young Game Developers [video]

Roblox Exploits Young Game Developers [video](youtube.com)

79 points by mpnagle 4 years ago | 21 comments

nbzso 4 years ago |

There is no problem. The only valuable model that is interesting to big VC is exploitation and dark patterns design UX practices. The big money. Basically it is all the same, from Medium to Roblox, who builds the biggest hole for user generated content wins. Recently I read on HN, one blogger was happy that is not self-hosting and shared that there is no way to have discovery without a big platform as Medium.

Users like to be exploited, big tech likes to exploit. I see harmonious parasitism in action and UX design from Hell.

P.S. Message for the down-voters: I don't give a flying f about your reaction. I will go a step further: I consider this as an actual positive. Critical thinking is not popular but for me it has enormous value.

ecf 4 years ago | |

> the only valuable model that is interesting to big VC is exploitation and dark patterns

The growing number of fintech startups accepted into YC this year that service Latin America and other ~~easily exploitable~~ underserved markets would back up your claim.

LadyCailin 4 years ago | |

Let me make sure I’m clear on your argument: you think it’s just great for the labor of children to be exploited for the benefit of shareholders?

If this is correct, then you’re not actually a “critical thinker”, just a horrible person.

mattbee 4 years ago | | |

I took the comment as a resigned "that's why these platforms will continue to grow". Not as support or condemnation.

I agree that Roblox profits off the creativity of children without giving them a meaningful share or dealing with the other issues of child labour, and that's pretty gross.

drowe859 4 years ago | | |

When disagreeing, please reply to the argument instead of calling names. "That is idiotic; 1 + 1 is 2, not 3" can be shortened to "1 + 1 is 2, not 3."

https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html

majkinetor 4 years ago | | |

Can you really exploit someone that can leave any time ?

fxtentacle 4 years ago |

I feel like this is similar to the criticism that YouTube received in its early days. And I wonder if the problem is with the platforms that offer an opportunity for self-exploitation or with our work culture. Because self-exploitation is a much more widespread issue and transcends platforms and workplaces. In my opinion, it's the "rags to riches" and hustle mindset that's at fault. So I'd rather blame Tony Robbins and Tim Ferry than Roblox.

FormFollowsFunc 4 years ago | |

It's one thing to exploit adults as platform tech companies do but it's fairly low to exploit kids.

vyrotek 4 years ago |

Great video! I have 3 kids who are obsessed with Roblox. It's a lot of fun but we don't spend any money on it. Coincidentally my 13yo just took an interest in making Roblox games this week. She figured it all out on her own and got something published. I personally dabble with some Unity dev so if course I encouraged it. It's fun to make stuff for others. 2 players tried it.

But, this video has given me a lot to think about. I always wondered what the marketplace actually looked like. I tried to set reasonable time expectations for my daughter and make sure she was doing this more for fun and learning than to make money. This has soured my perception of the company.

tapland 4 years ago | |

Queued the video for watching tonight, but I heard about a local middle school kid making more than his parents by making roblox mods (being one of few top creators).

I hope it gets more kids to try programming, but If you can get compensated it sucks if it isn't reasonable and fair.

bko 4 years ago | |

Unfortunately discoverability and a saturated app store market is the norm everywhere. The video states that most developers there don't make any money, but that means Roblox also doesn't make any money, so I can't see how its exploitation.

If my kid was into creating games or art, I would encourage him. Kind of like running a lemonade stand, you're not going to get rich. You'll probably even lose money. A cynic would say you're enriching big sugar, but I think it's a good experience and something fun to do. Certainly better than being a consumer.

atatatat 4 years ago | | |

> so I can't see how its exploitation.

Erlich Bachman?

majkinetor 4 years ago | |

Yet, roblux obsession turned into game making. You as father didn't do it with your Unity dev skills but roblux did it and yet you seem to complain now, while still appreciating the outcome ... strange.

Working for nothing - that used to be a required thing for any job. FOSS people still do it and nobody thinks Github is exploiting. In todays world they call it exploitation but it was considered learning before.

fimdomeio 4 years ago |

Previous Discussion: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28247034

gaudat 4 years ago |

And yet nobody complained about this 10 years ago when Minecraft was all the rage?

sdflhasjd 4 years ago | |

None of the issues raised in the video seem to apply to Minecraft.

Minecraft doesn't have an in-game currency, and mod developers don't have any kind of marketplace relationship with Mojang.

junon 4 years ago | |

Minecraft has never had an (official) marketplace.

E: I'm wrong, apparently the spin-off versions of Minecraft have them. Java Minecraft (the original) never did.

phil-martin 4 years ago | | |

I haven’t yet watched the video, but Minecraft definitely has an official marketplace and in game currency. It is for the pocket edition/bedrock edition

I’ve bought numerous skins and game mods for myself and the kids to enjoy.

From what little I understand this is quite different from the Java edition, but I don’t really know.