Roblox pares upload fee after backlash over new avatar rules

Roblox will apply the same upload and safety requirements to 2D and 3D avatar items, a change that took effect on July 14 after the company announced the plan on July 7. The update moves 2D assets onto the same backend used by 3D content, introduces ID verification for some 2D creators and sets a flat upload fee of 80 Robux after the company reduced the initial proposal following creator feedback.

Under the updated rules, creators must meet new safety checks before publishing avatar items for use in Roblox accounts. Requirements may include ID verification for 2D items, a linked parent account for younger creators or two-step verification. Roblox wrote that these measures aim to standardize safety and accountability across the Marketplace.

The fee change redraws the platform’s previous pricing. Before the update, uploading many 2D assets cost as little as 10 Robux while some 3D uploads cost 300 Robux. Publishing advances-refundable amounts paid when listing items-remain tied to item categories: 2D t-shirts still require a 10 Robux publishing advance, and advances for 3D avatar items continue to vary, with some categories such as hairstyles carrying advances up to 1,000 Robux.

Roblox first proposed higher upload costs in early July and faced broad discussion on its developer forums. After that feedback, the company revised the plan on July 13 to lower the flat upload fee to 80 Robux per avatar item from the earlier proposal. Forum posts from creators raised concerns about higher upfront costs and the potential impact on smaller creators who primarily make 2D clothing.

Roblox’s forum post and FAQ state the update is not phasing out 2D clothing and that keeping 2D on a unified backend could allow advanced Marketplace features for those items in the future. The company also noted it ‘welcomes player feedback as the Marketplace continues to evolve.’

The changes apply to Marketplace creators worldwide. Creators must complete any required verification steps before publishing new items under the unified rules. Roblox said it will monitor feedback and may adjust policies as needed. Further details and background on the fee and verification changes are available in the company’s forum post and FAQ.

Previously, we reported that Roblox updated its in-game reporting interface to simplify filing, show safety tips and outcome notifications.