In a significant move for the gaming and entertainment industries, The Walt Disney Company has reportedly decided against any formal partnership with the massive online platform Roblox. This decision, revealed in a new report from Variety in December 2025, is rooted in deep-seated concerns about the platform's safety for children.
Why Disney is Keeping Its Distance
Despite being the world's largest video game platform and a favourite among younger audiences, Roblox has faced intense scrutiny. This year, child safety concerns reached an all-time high, leading to lawsuits being filed against Roblox Corporation for allowing inappropriate content on its service. The platform has also recently been banned in Russia, with other governments examining it more closely.
Roblox has implemented measures like new age verification checks to mitigate risks, but Disney apparently views the platform as too great a liability. This stance persists even though Disney has run promotional campaigns on Roblox in the past, with the last one occurring in 2018 to tie in with the Ant-Man And The Wasp film.
Contrasting Partnerships: Fortnite and OpenAI
The decision highlights a stark contrast in Disney's strategy. The entertainment giant is actively deepening its ties with Epic Games and its flagship title, Fortnite—another platform popular with children that features user-generated content. Disney not only licenses Marvel and Star Wars skins for Fortnite but also purchased a 5% stake in Epic Games in 2023, investing $1.5 billion to create a connected entertainment universe.
Furthermore, Disney recently entered a three-year licensing agreement with OpenAI. This deal allows OpenAI's Sora app to use Disney's intellectual property for AI-generated short videos, some of which may appear on Disney+. This move has itself sparked debate about the potential for inappropriate AI-generated content involving beloved characters.
The Implications for Roblox
Disney's refusal to engage is a notable setback for Roblox. Other major brands, including Sonic The Hedgehog and Sesame Street, have created dedicated experiences on the platform. Given Disney's vast catalogue of iconic franchises, its absence is conspicuous.
Variety's sources specifically denied that Disney's caution is related to its Epic Games partnership, indicating the concerns about Roblox are standalone. Consequently, any Disney-themed games found on Roblox are strictly unofficial, created without the company's endorsement or involvement.
The report underscores the ongoing challenge for digital platforms that cater to young users: balancing open creativity with robust safety measures to satisfy both corporate partners and concerned parents.
