I’m David Basuki, CEO of Roblox and This Is How I Work
ROBLOX is part virtual world, part development platform and part multiplayer online game. David Basuki created it ten years ago with his co-founder Eric Kassel, and its popularity is gradually growing, especially among children and adolescents.
The obvious comparison would be Minecraft with the highlight of Second Life. Personally, in my old age, I remembered how we modified Quake and other first-person shooters with new avatars and arenas to make the game our own. For me, finding the perfect avatar in 3D models, setting up texture maps, loading new sound effects, and seeing how it all fit together was often more fun than the gameplay itself.
This spirit of creativity is one of the central tenets of ROBLOX, and that is why it has become so popular with young people who create their own worlds as they learn to program. There are 15 million active users on the platform, and they have created over 22 million of their own “experiences” or games.
David is still working on this, implementing ROBLOX on most gaming platforms (including all the necessary components – PC, Mac, Android and iOS), and is still busy creating his virtual world. We spoke with David to find out a little about how he works.
Current position: CEO of ROBLOX One word that best describes your job: intuitive. Current mobile device: iPhone 6+, iPhone 4s (secondary), Samsung Android (tertiary). It might be overkill, but I like to test the experience on different interfaces to get a deeper understanding of what our users are experiencing. Current computer: Dell Ultrabook
What apps, software or tools can’t you live without?
There are several tools that have become an integral part of my workflow, most of which help me be productive. Simplenote , Google Docs, Google Chrome, Microsoft Excel, and PowerPoint come to mind. I have really become addicted to Simplenote as I keep Simplenote for most of the key people in my life and for all my professional and personal tasks.
How is your workplace arranged?
In the office, I have an electric seating / standing desk (everyone who works at ROBLOX gets one) with one large monitor, docking station and headphones, and shelves lined with loads of toys I’ve collected over the years. … Since I’m 6’5, I often find it more comfortable to stand and find myself thinking more creatively.
What’s your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
There is a simple technique for avoiding the accumulation of unfulfilled tasks whenever possible, and it is applicable everywhere in life; this is called “one touch”. It looks like this … let’s take email, for example. Instead of reading it and deciding what to do with it later, I touch it once and immediately pick it up. It is a highly efficient, streamlined system that allows me to complete tasks as they come, rather than postponing them for next time.
What’s your favorite to-do list manager?
Simplenote is invaluable in keeping me organized. I always run three different Simplenotes (To-Do’s, People, Product) and they are all fully playable on my phone, tablet and computer.
Besides your phone and computer, what device or tool can’t you live without and why?
I can’t live without a mountain bike. I love off-road cycling; it’s fun, peaceful and helps me to relax and think clearly. Not to mention, it’s a great form of exercise.
What are some of the things you do best in everyday life? What’s your secret?
I like to think that I am inspiring and encouraging others to think outside the box. After learning about the power of user generated content, I learned to trust unconventional thinking. I am also good at mountain biking.
What do you listen to while you work? Have a favorite playlist? Maybe we can talk on the radio? Or do you prefer silence?
I try to perform well whenever I listen to clean ambient noise, such as those found in the Atmospheric Calm playlist on Spotify. This is my playlist if I need to quickly boost creativity or productivity.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading The Platform Revolution by Sangeet Paul Choudary, Jeffrey G. Parker, and Marshall W. Van Alstine. This is a fascinating read for all business leaders, and it provides an excellent understanding of the platform’s capabilities. There are so many parallels to what I have learned in 10 years of building the ROBLOX platform that I feel very strongly about the book.
How do you replenish?
Spend time with family, sleep, exercise or relax in silence.
What is your sleep pattern? Are you a night owl or get up early?
I get up early by nature. No alarm clocks needed! Morning is a great time for me to practice a bit and check my email before heading to the office. Some of my greatest moments of clarity come when I’m in CrossFit training.
Fill in the blank: I would like _________ to answer these same questions.
Walt Disney. I have always respected him for his foresight, creativity and determination.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Here’s one great piece of advice I’ve heard over the years: If you can find passion in what you’re really good at, you’ll always be happy.
What else would you like to add that might be of interest to readers and fans?
I used to have radio talk shows and was the captain of my high school TV quiz team.