On Thursday, Roblox unveiled “Build,” a new feature that lets users create games using AI on their mobile devices.
Anyone without any programming knowledge can create a simple game using the Build feature. The new function, for instance, will create an initial version of the game if a user enters, “Let’s make a cozy adventure game set in a dense forest.” Users may then edit and share this version with friends.
In a blog post, the firm stated that Build is “powered by a broad set of AI models, including both open-source and proprietary Roblox models, handling gameplay mechanics, environment, characters, visual style, sound, and more.”
Similar tools have been developed by companies such as Tencent, Microsoft, and Google. However, developers and players are worried about AI-powered game creation. Some claim that lowering barriers to game development with text prompts could lead to a flood of repetitive, low-quality games. Because producers must compete not just with other developers but also with AI-generated content, which can be produced much more quickly, this might potentially boost competition on the platform.
According to this year’s gaming Developer Conference State of the Game Industry study, 52% of professionals in the gaming industry think generative AI is hurting the sector.
Roblox intends to address this by ranking these AI-generated games according to user retention, just like other games on the platform. A game won’t be highlighted as much if it isn’t played.
“Games with long-term retention—which excludes AI slop—are highlighted by our discovery systems. If no one plays a game, no one can find it, then the quality of the games on the homepage won’t change. The business also stated, “The objective of these new tools is to continue accelerating creation across all experience levels.”
On July 28, users in New Zealand who are nine years of age or older and have confirmed their age will be allowed to access the Build feature during public alpha testing. Users who are at least 16 years old will be able to publish their works to a worldwide audience. There will be paid choices in addition to a basic, free version.
In addition to the Build functionality, Roblox is developing AI agents to help creators with analytics and playtesting. It is expected that these functionalities will be released in the next few months.
The new feature, which includes an AI foundation model for creating 3D game assets and an AI chatbot to assist developers in creating games, demonstrates Roblox’s continued investment in AI. Furthermore, Roblox is working on a “new scene-generation model” that uses a single text prompt to create complete editable and playable 3D scenarios.
The announcement also follows Roblox’s statement that it would be discontinuing “Roblox Connect,” the avatar-based video calling service that debuted in 2023.