Roblox Removes LuoBuLesi Application, Customers Are Disappointed Because They Don't Know It's Only Trial Version

Roblox removes the Chinese version of the application (photo: ok. unsplah)

JAKARTA - US video game platform Roblox Corp., which has removed its Chinese app which is leading its expansion efforts into the country, told Reuters it was part of "a number of important interim measures" while building the next version.

The LuoBuLesi app, which Roblox launched in July in partnership with affiliate Tencent Holdings, closed on December 8, disappearing from mainland app stores. The app now displays a message to users thanking them for using the test version when they logged in.

The app's importance to Roblox's expansion in China was prominently discussed in the company's prospectus for listing on the New York stock exchange in March, which saw the gaming platform worth nearly $30 billion.

A Roblox spokesperson told Reuters late Thursday, Jan. 6, that the move was necessary as it builds on the "next version of LuoBuLeSi", but did not say when the app would return.

"We've always known that building an engaging platform in China is an iterative process, and we're grateful for the support of LuoBuLeSi users and our global developer community," said a Roblox spokesperson.

"It is critical that we now make the necessary investments, including investments in our data architecture, to realize our long-term vision."

Tencent did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

The Roblox platform is known for its cyber technology, now known as the "metaverse". The LuoBuLeSi platform is separate from the global version of Roblox and allows users to create and play games, as well as join virtual 'events'.

Some users complained on social media that they didn't realize it was a trial version. The app has been downloaded 1.7 million times according to Sensor Tower, a data analytics company.

LuoBuLeSi obtained the necessary licenses to operate in China from the regulator by the end of 2020.