Roblox (RBLX) shares fell by over 20 percent in early trading Thursday after the gaming giant decreased its annual bookings forecast on the same day. CWEB analysts note that this results from low spending as the economic outlook remains dull, and inflation has not yet been tamed. Earlier in the week, Electronic Arts also mentioned a weak revenue forecast. CWEB reveals that the gaming industry is also seeing the effects of the weak global economy, as many other retailers are also grappling with low discretionary spending.
Previously, Roblox had forecast full-year bookings of $4.18 billion to $4.28 billion. The gaming platform’s new outlook for bookings in 2024 now stands between $4 billion and $4.10 billion.
The company also lowered its second-quarter booking forecast between $870 million and $900 million, which is also below its earlier forecast. The company explained that its lower forecast was made as the Easter holiday fell in the first quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2023. Traditionally, the Easter holiday period sees high engagement on Roblox.
Research firm Newzoo notes that engagement across the gaming industry is generally lower, which could continue until 2026. This will also have a domino effect on PC and console market sales.
Although gamers aged 13 or more spent more hours on the platform, reportedly growing 19 percent in the first quarter, this is the lowest growth for Roblox in the last two years. The company reported that many older gamers were joining its platform, but they took time to get familiar with it and spend time on the site.
As gamers are not growing to pre-pandemic levels, Roblox is diversifying by adding ads to generate revenue. In 2024, it began displaying virtual billboards of Walmart and Warner Bros Discovery. According to Michael Guthrie, the chief financial officer at Roblox, it expects to forecast revenues from ads in 2025.
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