Outsourcing Assets
With UGC many months old, I will try to present the rising issue of creators outsourcing their work to other people and perhaps even purchasing them. I will try to portray where the issues may be happening.
Star Creators
I will try to portray both sides of the argument while writing this.
Why them having UGC access is a bad idea
This is where most of the Roblox creators stand currently in my opinion. As most of them do not have UGC access and probably won’t for a while. Star creators having UGC access is a stupid decision by Roblox as most (all?) creators will end up outsourcing the work to someone else to create them accessories to then (presumably) take a portion or perhaps all of the profit. This is basically making an item in someone’s likeness to then have that item be sold under their name. Being given credit in the description is already but seems a bit lackluster when you could’ve just made the item with your name on the creator tag.
In general, UGC creators don’t actually create their own items and therefore should not have access to the UGC program as they don’t personally bring any new items themselves. They are stealing the UGC spots that talented creators do not have access too and that they portray a bad image to Roblox developers as the it shows the incompetency of Roblox allowing some items to go through. (cough parrot)
Why them having UGC access is ok
The reason here why I believe Star creators should have UGC access is because they are able to “create” items for their fans. Star creators are able to bring a lot of traffic to Roblox and to specific games, having them is certainly a great asset to Roblox as they help to keep it relevant on video platforms such as Youtube and Twitch. While them uploading assets created by others it allows them to shine a light onto that developer and bring them traffic and perhaps help them get a UGC spot.
The reason why they should be allowed UGC access is because they have created not a tangible item but a persona that many fans enjoy and keep them playing on Roblox. The hats created in their name are based off their persona and fans would much rather have a item that they know their favorite creator is behind.
Personally, my opinion of this has changed but I’d rather have Star creators outsource their work to others and then give a large portion of that income to the asset creator. It helps to prevent some “bird” situation and allows fans to purchase an item from their favorite creator that is of high quality.
Asset Marketplaces
This is a whole different situation from the Star Creator discussion as many Roblox players do not have any connection to creators often. It is just a developer creates an item and the consumer uses it. There is no emotional connection most of the time. Consumers disregard where the item actually came from, the developer could be lazy and outsource the work to Unity/Blender marketplace where they are able to get premade items.
I will try to create 2 arguments for the use of an asset marketplace but it just boils down to Roblox not having UGC applications or any public UGC information for people looking to get in.
Roblox purchasing Unity Assets
Roblox has dabbled in the Unity market. As the bestselling package (bundle) the Magma Fiend was obtained via an outside deal from the Unity Marketplace. Unity // Roblox I do hope they were paid appropriately (%) as I can assume that bundle has made thousands of dollars for Roblox. Unity’s TOS 3.5 states in short that Roblox is not allowed to resell assets off the Unity Marketplace unless the creators agrees in a agreement outside Unity.
Why you shouldn't use an Asset Marketplace
Many creators make it onto the scene by being recognized by an admin or UGC member. It’s a game of chance as there really isn’t a way to get in currently.
But why you shouldn’t use an asset marketplace is because when creators make it onto the scene, they usually come and bring a genre or a new concept onto the market. You may have fans waiting on the newest asset you make based off the original genre which got you noticed. By then betraying the niche you end up having to compete with others with unfamiliar assets or assets that do not work with Roblox characters. If you want to share your passion for a theme, don’t bother using the assets created by others.
Why you can use an Asset Marketplace
Using an asset marketplace is theoretically printing money, you are able to purchase assets and then resell them. By doing this you can create accessories easily while waiting on your expose video. If you think you can purchase them and post them, once/if those Unity creators do get onto Roblox, you will 100% lose the legal battle as you must agree with the creator that you will be reselling their asset(s). They might even seek legal repercussions, so I’d advise not to, unless you have permission.
Fix?
The only logical fix to this is when the UGC is widely available, you will perhaps have a wave of experienced 3D modelers coming to Roblox to create accessories. The same ones creating assets on Unity will hopefully be creating assets on Roblox. Removing the middleman and perhaps bringing new creators in. Until then, non UGC developers will be there waiting for a UGC creator to slip up.
Final notes:
As a creator you should be able to either make something that 1. Gives you a livelihood and 2. You are proud of.
And I do wonder how much the creator of the Magma Fiend got as Roblox had supposedly made a deal with them on reselling their asset.
Edits:
