THE SHORT ANSWER
Roblox launched its 2027 Incubator program for creators building games aimed at 18+ players. The program now runs in two three-month sprints instead of a single six-month track, with applications due December 7, 2026. Selected teams get hands-on engineering and design support, early engine access, and a 42% higher DevEx rate on qualifying U.S. adult-player spend.
- Applications open until December 7, 2026 for up to 30 teams
- Program restructured into two three-month sprints: Build and Validate, then Launch and Scale
- Focus on underrepresented genres: RPG, strategy, shooter, puzzle, and genre mash-ups
- 42% higher DevEx rate for eligible in-game spend from age-verified 18+ U.S. players
- Teams need playable prototype or vertical slice; solo creators welcome but 2-5 person teams ideal
Roblox has opened applications for its 2027 Incubator program, targeting creators willing to build games specifically for players 18 and older. The deadline is December 7, 2026. The company says it will accept up to 30 teams.
Two Sprints Replace Single Six-Month Track
The biggest structural change from previous years is the move to two three-month sprints. Sprint 1, "Build and Validate," tasks teams with producing an engaging core loop and proving it with real players. Teams that validate move to Sprint 2, "Launch and Scale," where they launch and grow the game. Teams not ready to launch after Sprint 1 can continue in the Jumpstart program or join the alumni community. Jumpstart teams with strong results may also be invited into Incubator for Sprint 2.
What Counts as "Novel" for 18+ Players
Roblox defines novelty across three axes. Gameplay mechanics must include traditional skills, coordination, and challenge that remain fun across thousands of repetitions. Depth and progression means metagame systems and skillful challenges designed for long-term retention, blended with Roblox's multiplayer scale and social features. Tone and visual style should push aesthetic boundaries using new engine tech — hyper-realistic 3D, stylized 2D and 2.5D sprite work, high-fidelity avatars — with an adult tone.
Genre is explicitly called out: RPG, strategy, shooter, and puzzle games are described as heavily underrepresented despite strong demand from older age groups. The program also welcomes unexpected genre mash-ups and projects that blend traditional mechanics with Roblox's avatars, social features, and cross-platform support.
Money and Support
Roblox has raised the Developer Exchange (DevEx) rate by 42% for eligible in-game spend from age-checked 18+ players in the United States. That applies to games accepted into the program.
Incubator teams get dedicated program leads to keep scope realistic and milestones sharp, access to Roblox engineers in networking, performance, scaling, data, and security, 1:1 game design reviews on core loop, progression, economy, and retention, and visual and technical advice from Roblox artists. Early access to upcoming Roblox Engine features is also included.
Who Should Apply
The program is aimed at experienced, agile teams — Roblox-native or off-platform studios committed to building on Roblox — ready to work full-time for at least three months. Core teams of 2-5 with designated engineering, art, and design roles are ideal, though solo creators are welcome. A playable prototype or vertical slice showing the core loop is not required but will be prioritized in review.
Applications go through the Roblox Incubator page on Creator Hub.