Roblox brought a group of its most successful creators to Washington, D.C., this month to demonstrate how building games and experiences on the platform has translated into real-world careers. The visit, known as Roblox’s first Developer Hill Day, gave members of Congress a closer look at how the creator economy functions at scale and how young developers are using game development skills to build businesses across the United States.
Roblox Creators Take Their Case to Washington
The event, co-hosted with the Entertainment Software Association, featured six developers from states including New York, Alaska, Georgia, Texas, and California. Rather than focusing on theory, the creators spoke directly about their own paths, explaining how Roblox served as both a learning platform and a source of income. The goal was to connect those personal stories to broader economic data and show lawmakers how online game creation supports jobs and entrepreneurship.
Roblox does not directly employ its creators, but the company shared research indicating that from 2017 to 2024, activity on the platform contributed an estimated 22,000 full-time job equivalents and $1.62 billion in GDP to the U.S. economy. Additional analysis from Nordicity showed that 75 percent of creator payouts during that period went to developers living in states without established tech-focused economies, highlighting the platform’s reach beyond traditional industry hubs.
From Playing Games to Running Studios
Several of the developers described starting out as players before transitioning into creators with sustainable careers. Alex Balfanz, co-creator of the long-running Roblox hit Jailbreak, explained that learning to code and manage a virtual business at a young age allowed him to fund his education at Duke University. Jailbreak has since surpassed 7 billion visits, making it one of the most played experiences on the platform.
Anne Shoemaker shared a similar path, noting that she taught herself to code through Roblox tools before creating Mermaid Life, an experience that reached nearly 100 million visits. Her work helped launch a professional career that later earned her a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. Shoemaker emphasized that what began as casual play eventually turned into a viable long-term direction.
Skills That Carry Beyond the Platform
A recurring theme during Developer Hill Day was how Roblox functions as an informal training ground. Developers spoke about learning Lua scripting, 3D modeling, design workflows, and team management without formal instruction. Jake Sullivan, founder of the studio Vector3, said that Roblox was the only place he had written code before entering college, yet the experience put him years ahead in his computer science courses.
That skill set has also translated into work with major brands. Sullivan now helps companies like YouTube and Walmart build Roblox experiences, while others at the event discussed work spanning music, fashion, and entertainment. Five-time Emmy Award–winning art director Jessica Thomas has led interactive projects on Roblox for clients including Elton John and Lionsgate, while digital fashion designer Rush Bogin founded his own company as a teenager and partnered with organizations such as the NFL and MLB.
A Broader View of the Creator Economy
For lawmakers, Developer Hill Day served as a direct look at how game platforms intersect with education and employment. Roblox shared that more than 29,000 creators participate in its Devex program, though many developers on the platform remain hobbyists. The median payout for Devex participants over the past year was $1,440, a figure intended to show both the accessibility of monetization and the range of outcomes within the ecosystem.
By combining these numbers with firsthand accounts, the developers framed Roblox as part of a growing creator economy tied to gaming and web3-adjacent technologies. Their message was that innovation on platforms like Roblox is already producing measurable economic activity and shaping career paths for a new generation.
What Comes Next for Roblox Developers
The Capitol Hill visit did not focus on specific policy proposals, but it opened a channel between creators and regulators. For the developers involved, the opportunity to explain their work in person was a way to clarify how online game creation differs from traditional employment models while still contributing to jobs and learning nationwide.
As Roblox continues to position itself as a platform for both play and creation, Developer Hill Day highlighted how its tools are being used today, not just by aspiring hobbyists, but by developers running studios, funding educations, and building long-term careers through games.
Source: Nicky Jackson Colaco, VP Global Public Policy at Roblox
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was Roblox Developer Hill Day?
Roblox Developer Hill Day was an event in Washington, D.C., where Roblox creators met with members of Congress to discuss how building on the platform supports jobs, education, and entrepreneurship.
Does Roblox employ its developers?
No, Roblox does not employ creators directly. Developers are independent and earn money through the platform’s monetization programs, including Devex.
How much does Roblox contribute to the U.S. economy?
According to research covering 2017 to 2024, Roblox activity contributed an estimated 22,000 full-time job equivalents and $1.62 billion in GDP to the U.S. economy.
Can Roblox development lead to real careers?
Yes, several developers have used skills learned on Roblox to fund college education, start studios, and work with major brands in gaming, entertainment, and fashion.
Why is Roblox relevant to discussions about web3 and gaming?
Roblox is often cited in web3-related discussions because it combines user-generated content, digital economies, and virtual goods, offering insight into how online platforms can support creator-driven business models.
