Roblox launches an AI-powered game creation feature in its mobile app

Roblox has made a significant leap in game development technology with the introduction of a new feature named 'Build.' Announced on Thursday, this innovative tool allows users to create games directly from their mobile devices, utilizing artificial intelligence to streamline the process. Users can transform simple text prompts, such as 'Let’s make a cozy adventure game set in a dense forest,' into playable game versions without needing any programming skills. The Build feature is powered by a diverse array of AI models, including both proprietary and open-source technologies developed by Roblox. According to a blog post from the company, this feature manages various game elements such as gameplay mechanics, environments, characters, visual aesthetics, and audio components. While Roblox joins tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Tencent in offering AI-based game development tools, the new feature has sparked concerns among developers and players alike. Critics argue that simplifying game creation could lead to an oversaturation of low-quality and repetitive games. Furthermore, the increased competition could pose challenges for creators, who will now have to vie not only against their peers but also against rapidly produced AI-generated content. This issue is underscored by a recent survey from the Game Developer Conference, revealing that 52% of industry professionals feel generative AI negatively impacts the gaming landscape. To mitigate these concerns, Roblox plans to implement a ranking system for AI-generated games based on player retention. As stated by the company, games that fail to attract players will not be prominently featured, ensuring that quality remains a priority. 'Our discovery systems aim to promote games that engage players over time, steering clear of subpar AI outputs,' the company explained. Public alpha testing for the Build feature is set to begin on July 28, initially available to users in New Zealand aged nine and older with verified accounts. Users aged 16 and above will also have the chance to share their creations globally. Both free and paid versions of the feature will be offered. In addition to Build, Roblox is developing AI agents designed to assist creators with playtesting and analytics, with these features expected to launch in the coming months. This initiative reflects Roblox's commitment to integrating AI technologies, including an AI foundation model for crafting 3D assets and a chatbot to support developers throughout the game creation journey. Furthermore, Roblox is advancing a new scene-generation model that can create entire editable and playable 3D environments from single text prompts. This announcement follows the company's decision to phase out 'Roblox Connect,' their avatar-based video calling service introduced earlier this year.