Roblox Expands AI Game Creation Tools and Cross-Platform Publishing

Expanded AI Game Creation

Roblox is expanding its generative AI game creation feature, "Build," which allows users to create games using natural language prompts. Initially launched in New Zealand, "Build" is now available in Serbia and Singapore. The tool also gains desktop access for larger screen creation, a new asset library, and iterative control. A prompt-based scene-generation feature will be added later this year, extending to Roblox Studio.

Cross-Platform Game Publishing

Creators will soon be able to publish their Roblox-developed games as separate applications on mobile, PC, and consoles, with Roblox serving as the underlying game engine. By the end of the year, players will also be able to join games directly in-browser via a link. This initiative aims to broaden the distribution and accessibility of games built on the Roblox platform beyond its native environment.

New Developer and Player Features

Roblox is introducing new capabilities for non-player characters (NPCs), including the ability for NPCs to playtest games later this year. Developers will also be able to implement an offline mode in their games, allowing continued play in areas with poor network connectivity. For players, a new Friends chat tab with voice typing support will move across games, and an improved discovery algorithm will suggest games based on user age and preferred playtime.

2D Game Development and Monetization

The platform is debuting tools for 2D game creation, featuring an orthographic camera, animated image containers, and direct sprite-sheet import for animation. Additionally, within its Moments vertical feed, players will soon be able to tap on avatars in clips to purchase items. Roblox reported that game makers have earned over $5 billion on the platform since 2013, with $1.7 billion earned in the last 12 months.