Roblox Launches Innovative Licensing Platform for Creators
The user-generated content platform, Roblox, has unveiled a new licensing initiative designed to streamline the process of integrating external intellectual properties (IPs) into its ecosystem. This innovative approach aims to simplify the often intricate negotiations surrounding IP licensing, making it more accessible for creators on the platform.
Notable industry players such as Sega, Netflix, Lionsgate, and the esteemed Japanese entertainment company Kodansha have already joined this venture, with plans to expand the roster further. Sega has granted Roblox the rights to develop games based on its popular Like a Dragon franchise. Netflix is contributing iconic titles, including Squid Game and Stranger Things, while creators can also tap into the worlds of Twilight, Saw, Now You See Me, and Divergent. Kodansha is set to introduce two of its beloved manga properties to the platform in the near future.
The Roblox licensing platform is structured into two primary components: the Roblox License Manager and the Licenses Catalog. The License Manager enables companies to register their IPs for use and define the terms under which they can be utilized. The conditions for usage can vary significantly; for instance, Sega stipulates that creators can only leverage the Like a Dragon IP if their experiences attract a minimum of 1,000 daily active users. Once this threshold is met, developers will retain 50% of the revenue after Roblox takes its share.
Manuel Bronstein, Roblox’s chief product officer, expressed enthusiasm about the platform’s potential, stating, “We’ll be working closely with our other launch partners to bring more of their IP to Roblox, and onboarding more IP holders throughout the year. We’re aiming to open the License Manager to all IP holders in the coming months. While full-experience adaptations are the first form of agreement that we’re offering, we’re exploring additional license types and offering more ways to bring IP to Roblox for all types of creators.” He added, “This journey with our creators and IP partners is just beginning, and we’re excited to see the collaborations and experiences that will emerge on Roblox.”
