A 20-year-old Roblox player just founded a real country, and then got banned for life

A 20-year-old British digital designer has transformed his childhood gaming passion into a real-world political experiment by founding his own country. Daniel Jackson created the Free Republic of Verdis, a self-declared micronation located on disputed territory between Croatia and Serbia along the Danube River.

According to Dexerto, Jackson’s journey began when he was just 14 years old, inspired by his worldbuilding experiences in Roblox, the gaming platform that millions use daily despite occasional technical difficulties. What started as a creative exercise with friends gradually evolved into a serious political project. The territory Jackson claimed, known as “Pocket Three,” covers roughly 0.5 square kilometers of forest in a zone that neither Croatia nor Serbia officially claims.

The young founder officially declared Verdis independent in May 2019 and began establishing formal governance structures when he turned 18. Jackson explained that the project was initially experimental, saying, “It was just a bit of an experiment at first with a few mates” and “We have all dreamed of creating something crazy.” However, his detention by Croatian authorities in 2023 would prove that his micronation was being taken seriously by established governments.

How Daniel Jackson built a functioning government from scratch

Since declaring independence, Jackson has worked to establish all the trappings of a legitimate nation. Verdis now operates with its own flag, currency system, and passport program. The micronation has also developed a cabinet of officials to handle governmental functions. Jackson has successfully granted citizenship to approximately 400 people who support the Verdis project.

The government structure reflects Jackson’s commitment to democratic principles. He has stated his intention to eventually step down from leadership, explaining, “If successful, I would step down from my position and call an election. I am not interested in power at all. I just want to be a normal citizen.” This approach suggests Jackson views his role as a temporary position necessary to establish the nation rather than a permanent leadership position.

Jackson continues to pursue diplomatic recognition for Verdis, particularly focusing on building relationships with Serbia. However, his efforts hit a major obstacle in 2023 when Croatian authorities detained him and other settlers while attempting to reach the territory. He was deported and handed a lifetime ban from entering Croatia. “They deported us but couldn’t give a reason why,” Jackson explained. “They said we were a threat to homeland security.”

He now operates the nation primarily online through Verdisonline, though British internet users are facing increasing government restrictions while working to overcome the legal obstacles that prevent him from physically accessing the territory. Despite facing significant challenges, Jackson remains committed to his vision, describing the experience of being in the territory as magical, even though “to the naked eye, it is just a lot of forest.”