Roblox has teamed up with Google to expand its recently introduced rewarded video ad format, as detailed in a press release. In the coming weeks, brands and agencies will be able to purchase these ads programmatically through Google’s advertising platforms.
These ads will be full-screen, 30-second videos that offer users in-game rewards in exchange for viewing. Early testing shows strong performance, with an average completion rate exceeding 80%, and some campaigns achieving over 90%.
Additionally, Roblox has formed partnerships with Cint, DoubleVerify, Integral Ad Science, Kantar, and Nielsen to provide measurement and insights into campaign effectiveness on the platform. The announcement was made during the IAB Playfronts event.
The collaboration between Roblox and Google represents a significant advancement in immersive advertising for both companies. Strong ad completion rates indicate that users are engaging with the format, making it a promising option for brands aiming to connect with the Roblox audience.
“Immersive ads now enable advertisers to reach an audience that was previously difficult to access, and in a highly relevant way that boosts brand awareness,” said Scott Sheffer, Google’s Vice President of Sell-Side Monetization, in press materials related to the integration.
Roblox plans to integrate its immersive ad formats, including Billboards, into Google Ad Manager. This will allow brands to scale their campaigns programmatically. Additionally, the platform will be accessible via Google’s Authorized Buyers, connecting both demand- and supply-side platforms.
To help advertisers measure campaign performance, Roblox is working with third-party measurement firms such as Cint, DoubleVerify, Integral Ad Science, Kantar, and Nielsen. These partnerships will offer insights into brand safety, brand lift, ROI, and cross-platform effectiveness. Previously, Roblox also partnered with WPP to create 3D measurement standards and a certification program to help brands better navigate its ecosystem.
Roblox has emerged as a popular platform for advertisers targeting Gen Z, thanks to its open and immersive environment that allows for branded experiences. A wide range of brands—from furniture giant IKEA to luxury labels like Gucci—have experimented with the platform. In August, Warner Bros. took it a step further by launching a “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” campaign that included a virtual Fandango box office, where users could buy real-world movie tickets.
Roblox has experienced substantial growth, with Q4 revenue for fiscal year 2024 reaching $1.36 billion—a 20.84% increase compared to the previous year, as reported in an earnings call. Still, the platform has faced criticism over concerns around potentially misleading advertising practices.
Meanwhile, investment in gaming ads continues to rise, with 40% of marketers increasing their budgets. According to IAB data, in-game advertising is projected to reach $11.49 billion by 2027.