During its annual Roblox Developer Conference (RDC), the organization behind the well-known gaming platform revealed a host of new features. These include enhanced game development tools, improved NPC (non-player character) functionalities, and cross-platform availability for games, such as on the web. Additionally, the company is introducing a dedicated Roblox Card and Roblox Wallet specifically for creators.
Moreover, Roblox is broadening access to its generative AI game creation feature, named “Build.” Initially launched in July and restricted to New Zealand, this feature will now extend to users in Serbia and Singapore. Alongside this rollout, users will gain desktop access for larger screen game creation, access to a new asset library, and refined controls for iterations. By the end of the year, a prompt-based scene generation capability will also be added, enhancing Roblox Studio.
The platform is ensuring that new games reach a wider audience by allowing creators to publish their games as standalone apps on mobile devices, PCs, and consoles, with Roblox serving as the underlying game engine. Players can expect to access games through browser links by year-end.
These updates signify Roblox’s dedication to not only attracting users but also enhancing the accessibility and reach of developers’ creations.
In addition to the new tools, Roblox is enhancing NPC functionalities, allowing some to playtest games, as well as enabling creators to implement an offline mode for uninterrupted gameplay even in low connectivity areas.
Furthermore, players will have a new Friends chat feature that follows them throughout their gaming experience, equipped with voice typing options.
An upgraded discovery algorithm will tailor game suggestions based on user age, promoting shorter games for younger players while recommending longer games to older users.
The game engine will also introduce the capability to develop 2D games using an orthographic camera, animated image containers, and straightforward sprite-sheet imports for animations. Players will soon have the ability to click on any avatar in clips within the Moments vertical feed to purchase items.
Since its inception in 2013, Roblox has facilitated over $5 billion in earnings for game developers, with recent figures indicating earnings of $1.7 billion in the past year alone. To better support creators, the company is introducing new financial products that allow them to manage their earnings more effectively.
One of these products is the Roblox Wallet, enabling creators to receive payments in real money at the end of each business day and transfer funds to other bank accounts. The firm is collaborating with Airwallex to offer wallet services to U.S. users aged 18 and older, with plans to expand globally.
Additionally, the upcoming Roblox Card, slated for launch next year, will enable users to spend their earnings at establishments that accept the card.
Roblox aims to increase user engagement on its platform and beyond. The company’s founder and CEO, David Baszucki, reported that in the last quarter, users spent over 29 billion hours on the platform across 180 countries.
