Roblox Details Updates to the Marketplace Experience for Creators and Shoppers
AI will be used to show shoppers “diverse and personalized” product recommendations.
Metaverse platform Roblox wants to make it easier for creators to begin selling original avatar items in the platform’s Marketplace.
Previously, creators and brands had to apply to be allowed to sell virtual items in the Roblox Marketplace. However, with its updates, Roblox will allow everyone (both creators and brands) to create items for the virtual storefront, giving the platform’s 71 million daily active users many more ways to express themselves through the customization of their Roblox avatar.
Roblox said almost 1.6 billion digital fashion items were sold on Marketplace during the first nine months of 2023. With the Marketplace creator experience opening up to everyone, the number of product options for users will become even more vast in the future and the potential for additional sales will become near limitless.
Going forward, Roblox’s vice president of Economy, Enrico D’Angelo, said the company will focus on three areas related to the Marketplace experience: “Making creation easier for anyone,” “Evolving Marketplace to foster more self-expression,” and “Laying the foundations of a healthy Marketplace.”
For instance, D’Angelo said Robox will “offer templates allowing creators and brands to build customizable shopping experiences dedicated to the buying and selling of avatar items.”
In addition, Marketplace shoppers will eventually be able to shop for a combination of avatar items at the same time, with the option to purchase an entire outfit at once. AI will also be used to provide product recommendations to shoppers, rather than each user being shown the same list.
On the Roblox blog, D’Angelo commented on the implementation of this AI technology:
“Someone might see collections or outfits from creators or brands that fit their style or outfits that are popular with their friends. They might also see trending shopping experiences, or seasonal collections (like for Halloween or Christmas).”
Finally, D’Angelo said Roblox will “make it easier for users to discover and follow new creators and brands and always stay up to date on their latest offerings.”
Creators and brands can learn more about Roblox’s Marketplace updates on the company’s blog.