Building the creator economy, part 1: Roblox

Another Unboxing exclusive. We interview Roblox's VP of Economy, Enrico D'Angelo, on where one of the most popular games for kids is headed next. Plus, our view on the ABK/MSFT saga coming to a close.

Joost is weary from a weekend spent fielding press comments. Laine still has papers to grade, but at least gets a break to see the WNBA Liberty game on Wednesday night.

On this week’s episode, your hosts keep the news updates brief to make room for a very special guest: Enrico D'Angelo, VP of Economy at Roblox.

Surveying the closure of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision last Friday, the hosts pick apart two key points. First, what does this mean for the future of tech regulation through bodies like the FTC or the CMA? Second, it's confirmed that Bobby Kotick will step down as the head of Activision blizzard at the end of the year. While Laine isn't going to shed a tear to see him go, Joost makes some savvy predictions about who is likely to replace him.

Then, continuing our month-long focus on user generated content, Joost shares an extensive interview with Enrico, who came to Roblox by way of Activision and McKinsey. The two share a deep conversation about what Roblox sees as its deepest aspirations: "allowing creators to create sustainable businesses." What qualities distinguish Roblox's approach to the creator economy, and how do we properly understand the power differential between platforms and creators?

You won't want to miss this conversation.

Listen in!