The decision to block the game came after repeated demands from a wide range of citizens, who stated that the game contains violent and bloody scenes and promotes aggressive behavior, in addition to containing content that contradicts ethical values and societal customs, according to Kuwait’s Al-Qabas newspaper.
Several users on social media have shared numerous posts and videos warning about the game’s dangers, especially for children. Some were surprised since the game once represented a new form of gaming, offering millions of 3D adventure experiences in metaverse technologies.
In a related context, the company behind the ‘Roblox’ platform is facing a lawsuit in the U.S. state of Louisiana, accusing it of neglecting to protect child users. Roblox is an interactive free electronic game platform founded in 2004, which gained significant popularity among children and teenagers worldwide. Its main idea is to provide users with the opportunity to create using simplified programming tools, engage in various adventures within these worlds, play collectively with other users, and directly communicate with players from different countries.
Statistics indicate that the game attracts about 82 million daily users, more than half of whom are under the age of 18. Roblox is known for combining educational programming elements, creative design tools, and an attractive interactive environment. Despite these features, the platform faces criticism due to its open system that may allow the dissemination of inappropriate content and the possibility of communicating with unknown individuals, as well as concerns about digital safety for young users.
Educational experts, including Saudi tech specialist Turki Al-Mahmoud, have warned of several major risks associated with the game, the most important being communication with strangers via the open chat system, unmonitored purchases through the virtual currency ‘Robux’, and the risk of digital addiction affecting academic performance. Al-Mahmoud advised parents, in press statements, to monitor their children’s use of the game, activate privacy settings, set playtime limits, and raise awareness about the dangers of communicating with strangers. They also recommended reporting any inappropriate content or behavior on the platform to the concerned authorities.
