Roblox Expands AI Tools and Pushes Games Beyond Its Own App
Roblox is widening access to its AI-driven creation tools and preparing to let users play games on their phones, PCs, and in web browsers, a move that signals a major shift away from platform exclusivity.
The company behind the massive gaming platform has announced a broader rollout of its generative AI features, which allow users to build games using simple natural language prompts. Previously limited to New Zealand, this 'Build' tool is now expanding to Serbia and Singapore, with desktop access and a new asset library added to help creators design on larger screens. Later this year, the system will also generate full scenes from prompts, a feature that will be integrated directly into Roblox Studio.
Alongside these creation updates, Roblox is working to make its content accessible outside of its own mobile app. By the end of the year, players will be able to join games directly through a web browser link. Additionally, creators will soon be able to distribute their games as separate applications on mobile devices, personal computers, and gaming consoles. This strategy positions Roblox not just as a destination for players, but as a foundational game engine that powers experiences across multiple platforms.
AI tools move beyond beta testing
According to reporting from GN technics/gaming (en-US), the expansion of the Build tool represents a significant step in lowering the barrier to entry for game development. While the initial launch was a small-scale trial, the current update introduces iterative controls that allow users to refine their creations more precisely. The addition of a dedicated asset library means developers no longer need to source every visual element from scratch, streamlining the production process for both hobbyists and professional studios.
The company is also enhancing the capabilities of non-player characters, or NPCs. In a notable development, these AI-driven characters will soon be able to playtest games, offering developers feedback on mechanics and flow without requiring human testers. Furthermore, a new offline mode will allow players to continue their sessions even when network connections are weak, a practical improvement for mobile users in areas with inconsistent signal coverage.
Financial tools for creator earnings
Roblox is introducing new financial products to support its growing community of developers. The platform launched a dedicated wallet that allows creators to withdraw their earnings in real money by the end of each business day. This service, powered by a partnership with Airwallex, is currently available to U.S. users aged 18 and older, with plans for global expansion in the future. The company also teased a physical Roblox Card, scheduled for release next year, which will allow users to spend their platform earnings at third-party retailers.
These financial moves come as the platform reports substantial growth in creator revenue. Since 2013, developers have earned over five billion dollars on the platform, with the most recent twelve months alone generating one point seven billion dollars. By providing faster access to funds and more versatile spending options, Roblox aims to retain talented developers who might otherwise seek out other ecosystems with more flexible monetization structures.
New features target diverse audiences
To keep the platform engaging for a wide range of users, Roblox is refining how it suggests content. A new discovery algorithm will recommend shorter-format games to younger audiences, while suggesting longer, more complex experiences to older users. The company is also updating social features, including a friends chat tab that moves with the user across different games and supports voice typing. These updates aim to make social interaction smoother and more relevant to the specific preferences of different age groups.
Finally, the engine itself is getting upgrades to support new types of gameplay. Developers can now create two-dimensional games using orthographic cameras and direct sprite sheet imports, expanding the range of visual styles available on the platform. In its Moments vertical feed, users will soon be able to tap on any avatar in a video clip to purchase items, creating a direct link between discovery and commerce. These technical additions reflect a broader effort to make the platform more versatile and commercially viable for a wider variety of game genres.
