Roblox Makes Significant Platform Changes That Impact Legacy Windows Users

The massively popular gaming platform Roblox has implemented a significant change to its system requirements, discontinuing support for older Windows operating systems. The platform, which has become a global gaming phenomenon since its 2006 launch, will no longer be accessible on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 systems.

This decision affects a portion of Roblox’s enormous user base, which currently exceeds 100 million players worldwide. The platform has particularly strong reach among younger demographics, with studies indicating that it engages more than half of America’s children as regular players.

While this marks the end of an era that began with Roblox’s Windows 7 compatibility in 2009, the platform has substantially evolved beyond its PC-exclusive origins. The gaming platform has successfully expanded across multiple devices and platforms, including iOS and Android devices in the early 2010s, and more recently, Virtual Reality support for Meta Quest 2 and Quest Pro in 2023. The platform also marked a significant milestone with its launch on PlayStation consoles, becoming available for both PS4 and PS5 in October 2023.

The decision aligns with broader industry trends, as various gaming companies move away from supporting older Windows versions. This shift mirrors Microsoft’s own stance, as the tech giant ceased providing security updates and Microsoft 365 support for Windows 7 systems in 2022.

Despite this change, Roblox continues to expand its offerings and partnerships. The platform has recently introduced several high-profile licensed experiences, including collaborations with major franchises such as One Piece Grand Arena, developed in partnership with Toei and Eiichiro Oda. Additional partnerships have brought My Hero Academia and Payday experiences to the platform, showcasing Roblox’s commitment to diverse content as it approaches its 20th anniversary.