At its annual Developer Conference, Roblox unveiled several updates aimed at simplifying game development and broadening access to its games. The platform is expanding its generative AI tool, called Build, which allows users to create games using natural language prompts. Initially limited to New Zealand, Build is now available in Serbia and Singapore, with new features such as desktop access, an asset library, and iterative control. Later this year, a prompt-based scene-generation feature will be added, extending capabilities to Roblox Studio.
Roblox is also enabling creators to distribute their games as standalone apps across mobile devices, PCs, and consoles, with Roblox serving as the underlying game engine. By the end of the year, players will be able to join games directly through web browsers via links, increasing accessibility beyond the traditional Roblox platform.
Additional improvements include enhanced NPC functions, such as automated game playtesting, and an offline mode allowing gameplay without a strong network connection. A new Friends chat tab with voice typing will follow players across games, improving social interaction. The platform’s discovery algorithm will tailor game suggestions based on user age, promoting shorter games to younger players and longer ones to older users.
Roblox also introduced new tools for 2D game creation, including orthographic camera support and sprite-sheet animation import. Within its Moments feed, players will soon be able to purchase avatar items directly from clips.
On the financial side, Roblox reported that creators have earned over $5 billion since 2013, with $1.7 billion earned in the past year alone. To support creators, Roblox is launching a Wallet that enables daily real-money payouts and bank transfers, initially available to U.S. users through a partnership with Airwallex. A Roblox Card, planned for release next year, will allow creators to spend their earnings at merchants accepting the card.
These updates reflect Roblox’s strategy to make game development more accessible and to extend the reach of its content beyond its own platform, aiming to increase engagement and support its creator community. CEO David Baszucki noted that players spent over 29 billion hours on Roblox in the last quarter across 180 countries.