Roblox has launched Build, an AI-powered tool that lets users design games on mobile devices using simple text prompts. The feature, announced on Thursday, generates playable games without requiring coding skills, with public testing set to begin in New Zealand on July 28.
How Roblox’s AI game-creation feature works
The Build tool uses a mix of open-source and proprietary AI models to create gameplay mechanics, environments, characters, and sound based on user prompts. For example, a prompt like “a cozy adventure game set in a dense forest” produces a basic game that users can then edit and share.
Roblox will offer a free basic version alongside paid options. Users aged 16 and older can publish their creations globally, while those aged nine and up (with verified age) can access the alpha test.
Industry concerns over AI-generated games
Critics warn that lowering the barrier to game creation via text prompts could flood the platform with low-quality or repetitive content. A 2024 Game Developers Conference survey found 52% of industry professionals believe generative AI is harming the sector.
Roblox counters that its discovery systems prioritize games with strong player retention, ensuring AI-generated titles won’t dominate unless they engage users. “If no one plays it—no one can find it,” the company stated.
What’s next for Roblox’s AI tools
Beyond Build, Roblox is developing AI agents for playtesting and analytics, expected in the coming months. The platform is also working on a scene-generation model to create editable 3D scenes from a single prompt.
The announcement follows Roblox’s decision to discontinue its avatar-based video-calling feature, Roblox Connect, introduced in 2023.