Roblox Revolutionizes Game Creation with AI on Mobile

Roblox Introduces AI for Mobile Game Creation

Roblox, the popular online gaming platform, recently unveiled a new feature called "Build." This innovation allows users to design games directly from their mobile devices, leveraging artificial intelligence technologies. The announcement was made last Thursday, highlighting Roblox's commitment to making game creation more accessible to everyone.

The uniqueness of the Build feature lies in its ability to transform text instructions into basic games. Thus, even without prior programming experience, a user can simply write a sentence like: "Let's create a cozy adventure game set in a dense forest." In response, the tool generates an initial version of the game, which the user can then customize and share with friends on the platform.

A Technology Powered by Various AI Models

Roblox clarified that Build relies on a wide range of artificial intelligence models, including both open-source models and proprietary models developed by the company. These models support various aspects of the game, such as mechanics, environment, characters, visual style, and even sound. This integrated approach aims to simplify the creation process for users of all levels.

Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Tencent have also invested in similar tools. However, the use of AI to generate games raises concerns among developers and players. Critics fear that the ease of creation offered by these tools may lead to a proliferation of low-quality and repetitive games. This could also intensify competition on the platform, as creators must compete not only with each other but also with AI-generated content, often produced at an accelerated pace.

Concerns and Regulatory Measures

These concerns are reflected in the State of the Game Industry survey conducted at this year's Game Developer Conference. According to this study, 52% of industry professionals believe that generative AI has a negative impact on the video game industry.

To counter these potential effects, Roblox plans to rank AI-generated games based on player retention, a system already used for other games on the platform. If a game fails to attract and retain players, it will not be promoted. "Our discovery systems are designed to promote games with long-term retention, which excludes low-quality AI-generated games," the company explained. The goal is to maintain a high level of quality on the Roblox homepage.

Launch and Future Prospects

The Build feature will enter public alpha testing on July 28, initially available to users in New Zealand aged nine and older, provided they have verified their age. Users aged 16 and older will have the option to publish their creations for a global audience. A basic free version will be offered, along with paid options for those wishing to access additional features.

In addition to Build, Roblox is working on developing AI agents to assist creators in game testing and provide detailed analytics. These tools are expected to be rolled out in the coming months, further reinforcing Roblox's commitment to integrating AI into its services.

A Continued Commitment to Innovation

This new feature is part of a broader strategy by Roblox to integrate AI into its creation processes. The company is also developing an AI foundation model to generate 3D game assets, as well as an AI chatbot to support developers throughout the creation process. Furthermore, Roblox is working on a "new scene generation model" capable of creating complete, editable, and playable 3D scenes from a simple text instruction.

This announcement comes shortly after Roblox revealed its intention to discontinue "Roblox Connect," an avatar-based video calling feature introduced in 2023. This decision underscores the company's desire to focus on innovations that enhance its game creation platform.