Roblox’s Grow a Garden is not just a game; it’s a digital trap designed to exploit children. Released in March 2025, this so-called farming simulation has exploded in popularity, boasting over 16.4 million concurrent users at its peak. Players plant seeds, grow crops, and collect exotic pets in what appears to be an innocent pastime. But beneath its vibrant, Lego-like exterior lies a predatory monetization scheme that preys on kids, 35% of its player base is under 13, luring them into spending real money to keep up. As parents, we must act now to protect our children from this scam, hold the creators and studios accountable, and demand that Roblox stop enabling such exploitative games for underage players.
Parents, It’s Time to Take Legal Action
A Game Built to Exploit, Not Entertain
Grow a Garden hooks players with its simple premise, but its real goal is profit, not fun. The game is riddled with microtransactions that turn it into a pay-to-win nightmare. Rare seeds like the Ember Lily cost 779 Robux ($7.79), single-use boosts to speed up crops are 375 Robux ($3.75), and even stealing from other players’ farms, a mechanic that normalizes virtual theft, requires Robux. These aren’t optional extras; they’re essential to progress, especially with features like offline growth and shops that restock every five minutes. This creates a relentless sense of urgency and fear of missing out (FOMO), pressuring kids to spend money they don’t fully understand.
These tactics mirror gambling mechanics: random rewards from blind-box pet eggs, time-limited offers like the fruit-pollinating Bizzy Bees, and the constant nudge for “just one more purchase.” Adults can choose to engage in casinos or gambling-like systems, but children, lacking the maturity to recognize manipulation, should not be dragged into this trap. This isn’t gaming; it’s a scam, and it’s potentially illegal under consumer protection laws designed to shield minors from exploitation.
The Culprits: Creators and Studios Cashing In
The game’s origins trace back to a 16-year-old Roblox user, “BMWLux,” who still holds a significant stake. In April 2025, Splitting Point Studios, led by Janzen “Jandel” Madsen, acquired a partial stake and scaled the game, adding features to maximize addiction and profit. Do Big Studios, known for aggressive monetization in other Roblox titles like Fisch and Clicker Simulator, also owns a minority share. Together, these entities have transformed Grow a Garden into a cash cow, exploiting kids for every dollar they can squeeze out.
Roblox itself is complicit, taking a 30% cut of all Robux purchases and offering no robust parental controls or transparent pricing to curb overspending. The platform incentivizes developers to push microtransactions, prioritizing revenue over the well-being of its young users. This isn’t just negligence, it’s a business model built on exploitation.
Roblox’s Duty to Protect Kids, and Its Failure
Roblox has a responsibility to safeguard its underage players, yet it allows games like Grow a Garden to flourish unchecked. The company is already facing SEC scrutiny for misleading investor reports and criticism for child safety lapses. By enabling predatory monetization in games accessible to kids, Roblox is failing its duty. It must implement stricter guidelines and age restrictions, ensuring that only players 18 and older can access titles with gambling-like mechanics. Good games should be enjoyable without extra costs tacked onto the experience, anything less is a scam that deserves to be called out and shut down for minors.
Parents, It’s Time to Fight Back
If your child has fallen victim to Grow a Garden’s manipulative tactics, racking up charges for rare pets or boosts, it’s time to take legal action. Hold the creators and studios, including Splitting Point Studios and Do Big Studios, accountable for designing and promoting this predatory system. File complaints, seek refunds, and explore lawsuits for violating consumer protection laws. At the same time, pressure Roblox to ban such games from underage access. Your actions can force change, protecting future generations from digital exploitation.
Practical Steps to Take Now
- Monitor Activity: Check your child’s Roblox playtime and spending.
- Set Controls: Use parental settings to limit or block Robux purchases.
- Educate: Teach your kids about money’s value and the risks of microtransactions.
- Promote Alternatives: Encourage games that don’t rely on pay-to-win scams.
A Call for a Safer Digital World
Grow a Garden is a symptom of a broader issue in gaming: profiting off children’s vulnerability. While adults can opt into gambling-like experiences, kids must be shielded from these predatory practices. By taking legal action against the creators and studios and pushing Roblox for reform, we can send a clear message: exploiting children is unacceptable. Let’s demand a safer, fairer digital playground where games are about fun, not scams. Act now, our kids deserve better.
Parents, It’s Time to Take Action
This article originally appeared on my Medium. You can also read all of my articles here on my web.