In preparation for the upcoming Roblox Developers Conference 2023 (RDC), the popular metaverse platform Roblox has unveiled a new set of avatars, leading to diverse reactions from its community. The default avatar update, implemented just in time for the conference, has generated both comparisons to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and mockery from users.
Roblox, known for offering a wide selection of avatars for users to choose from when creating a profile, has allowed players to customise their avatars over time using Robux, the in-game currency. However, the platform’s distinct “blocky” default avatars with simplistic facial features have long been a recognisable feature. In response to the evolving landscape of metaverse platforms, which are increasingly embracing more lifelike avatars, Roblox seems to have decided to follow suit.
Ahead of RDC 2023, Roblox has introduced several updates to the platform. One of the major changes is the availability of modern avatars for new users to select from, replacing the traditional “blocky” default ones. Despite this effort to enhance the avatar options, the community’s response has been less than enthusiastic, with many users quickly drawing comparisons to NFTs and expressing their discontent through mockery.
Roblox recently released a series of free avatars in the Avatar Shop, providing players with alternative options to the default avatars. This update aligns with the company’s plan to revamp the Roblox Studio, introducing realistic tools and new features to cater to a more mature audience. However, as soon as these new avatars became available in the shop, users and content creators, including popular Roblox YouTuber KreekCraft, wasted no time in mocking the avatars, likening them to those found in “random Metaverse NFT games.” KreekCraft even shared images of similar avatars from Bitmoji, Meta, and Horizon Worlds in a tweet, fuelling the ongoing conversation.
The reactions from the Roblox community highlight the varying opinions surrounding the platform’s shift towards more realistic avatars. While some users appreciate the update and view it as a step towards modernisation, others criticise the change, arguing that it deviates from Roblox’s unique aesthetic and resembles avatars found in other metaverse experiences.
Roblox’s decision to introduce new avatars reflects the company’s efforts to adapt to the evolving metaverse landscape and meet the expectations of its user base. However, the community’s response serves as a reminder of the challenge platforms face in striking a balance between innovation and maintaining the distinctive features that made them popular in the first place.
As Roblox continues to navigate these updates and gather user feedback, it remains to be seen how the platform will address the community’s concerns and shape the future of its avatar system.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on public statements and community reactions and does not reflect the views or opinions of Roblox or its affiliates.
