Roblox has launched an innovative AI-powered game creation feature in its mobile application, targeting users aged nine and older starting from July 28. This introduction is part of a broader trend where tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Tencent have also developed similar tools, but it has sparked a debate among developers and players. Critics caution that simplifying game development through text prompts could result in a wave of low-quality and repetitive games, intensifying competition on the platform as creators must contend with both human developers and AI-generated content produced at a remarkable pace.

These apprehensions are echoed in the findings of this year’s Game Developers Conference State of the Game Industry survey, which reveals that 52% of professionals within the gaming industry perceive generative AI as having a detrimental effect on their field.

In response to these concerns, Roblox intends to implement a ranking system for AI-generated games based on player retention, akin to the methodology applied to other games on the platform. Games that fail to engage players will not be prominently featured.

“Our discovery systems are designed to spotlight games with sustained player engagement, which excludes low-quality AI-generated content. The quality of games displayed on the homepage remains unchanged: If a game is not played, it will not be discoverable. Our objective with these new tools is to enhance creation across all skill levels,” the company stated.

The Build feature will undergo public alpha testing, available to verified users in New Zealand aged nine and older. Users aged 16 and above will be able to publish their creations for a global audience. A free, basic version will be offered alongside paid options.

In addition to the Build feature, Roblox is also developing AI agents designed to assist creators with playtesting and analytics. These enhancements are expected to launch in the coming months.

This new feature underscores Roblox’s commitment to investing in AI technology, which includes an AI foundation model for generating 3D game assets and an AI chatbot to support developers throughout the game creation process. Furthermore, Roblox is developing a “new scene-generation model” capable of creating entire editable and playable 3D environments from a single text prompt.

This announcement follows Roblox’s recent revelation regarding the discontinuation of “Roblox Connect,” the avatar-based video calling feature that was launched in 2023.