The "first metaverse stock" bets on "AI-powered game creation"! Roblox (RBLX.US) competes for creator economy dividends, shares surge nearly 13%

According to Zhihui Financial APP, Roblox (RBLX.US), known as the "first metaverse stock," announced a series of game creation, distribution, and social features at its developer conference on September 11, introducing new tools for game designers and new features for players, prompting global investors to reassess its growth potential: developers will be able to release games as standalone apps on mobile devices, PCs, and game consoles; players will obtain browser-based instant play, offline gameplay, and cross-game chat features; Roblox Build will allow users without development experience to create games through an AI large model-based text description mode.

As of the close of trading on September 14, 2026, Eastern Time, Roblox shares rose 12.73% to $51.29. Previously, the company had experienced a long decline, falling more than 60% since October 2025. These latest initiatives are aimed at reducing the barrier to creation for users and access for fans, and, after new online safety measures impacted user growth, seeking new growth sources for Roblox’s platform operations.

The company’s previously disclosed earnings report shows that in the 12 months ended June 30, 2026, creators earned approximately $1.7 billion, reflecting the platform’s existing creator economy foundation; this amount belongs to the creators. Meanwhile, several eye-catching new features will be launched in stages—for example, browser play is scheduled to go live before the end of 2026, and offline play is planned to be available before mid-2027. Therefore, the rare sharp stock price increase seen on Monday reflects the market’s repricing of the product roadmap and growth prospects, though actual usage rates and monetization performance remain to be observed.

AI-Powered Game Creation Sparks Revaluation, “First Metaverse Stock” Searches for New Growth Engine

Roblox’s main business is operating a game and social platform co-created by users and developers. Players enter different games and virtual scenarios through the Roblox client, while developers use the free Roblox Studio to create, publish, and operate content. The company provides the engine, cloud infrastructure, content distribution, and payment services.

Its business model revolves around the virtual currency Robux: users purchase Robux for in-game spending and virtual avatar customization; the platform retains part of the transaction revenue, creators receive corresponding shares, and those who qualify can redeem Robux through the developer exchange program for fiat currency. Therefore, the core of the company’s operations is to connect players, creators, and virtual consumption into a complete platform ecosystem.

Roblox is called the “first metaverse stock” mainly because its platform embodies features such as virtual identity, 3D space, social relationships, user-generated content, and a virtual economy, and was directly listed on the New York Stock Exchange on March 10, 2021. The company’s listing documents also explicitly linked its business to the “persistent, shared 3D virtual spaces” concept of the metaverse.

From an investment logic perspective, this update offers an entirely new AI-based growth path: AI creation tools expand content supply, standalone apps and browser access increase user reach, richer game types aim for different age groups, and, ultimately, whether this can be converted into recurring payments and cash flow determines its business value.

Everyone Can Create Games: Roblox Developer Conference Opens New Creation Pathways

Roblox stated that game creators will be able to develop games as standalone apps for mobile devices, PCs, and game consoles. Players will be able to enter games directly through web browsers without installation. They will also be able to continue playing offline and maintain conversations with friends across games.

Other new tools include Roblox Build, which allows users without game design experience to simply describe what they want to play, and it will be made for them.

Roblox CEO David Baszucki told the media in an interview on Monday: “We believe we have finally reached a stage where anyone can create 2D games, 3D games, puzzle games, or any game they’re interested in—within our flagship mobile app.”

This online gaming platform giant, after launching new online safety protections, revealed its user growth has slowed and is now working to reignite growth. Over the past 12 months, creators earned $1.7 billion in total.

Baszucki mentioned that with the latest installment of Take-Two Interactive Software’s Grand Theft Auto series about to be released, it may inspire more people to play and make games.

In the interview, he said: “We’re going to see more and more novel content emerge on the Roblox platform, not only for younger players but also for older audiences.”