Virtual meatballs and pixelated furniture: Ikea pays you real money to work at its new store… in Roblox

Launching on 24 June, Ikea’s new game The Co-Worker will allow players to experience the pixelated working world of Ikea in the company’s first venture into mainstream gaming. “We are excited to be the first brand to launch paid work on Roblox to showcase how we do careers differently” says Darren Taylor, culture manager at Ikea, UK.

Inside the store’s virtual universe, paid co-workers will help “people choose their furniture, serve meatballs and have the chance to win exclusive UGCs”, says Ikea. The application process is as weird and wacky as the role, with potential Roblox workers presented with some essential questions before they start: “How do you feel about being turned into pixels?” and “What would you do if we ran out of pixelated hot dogs in our bistro?”

Applications are open until 16 June with Ikea advertising a £13.15 hourly rate for Roblox staff. In their new positions candidates can “get promoted, change roles, switch departments and grow in any direction they choose, just like the real world”, says Ikea. For those looking for something fully remote and flexible this might be the perfect chance to live out your home furnishing dreams. If you don’t make the cut, however, you’ll still be able to explore and experience the new virtual store alongside the Roblox community, gamers and other Ikea fans alike.