Roblox is set to significantly expand its reach and capabilities with a raft of updates announced at its 12th annual Roblox Developers Conference (RDC). The platform is introducing standalone applications for its user-created games, incorporating more artificial intelligence into the development process, and rolling out new financial tools for creators.
These updates aim to broaden access to the platform's vast library of user-generated content and equip creators with more sophisticated tools for development and monetization. During the last quarter, Roblox players reportedly spent 29 billion hours on the platform across over 180 countries.
New Ways to Experience Roblox
Creators will soon have the option to make their games available as standalone applications across mobile, PC, and consoles, with Roblox handling the underlying technology and services. By the close of 2026, players will be able to join a game directly from a web browser through a shared link, streamlining the path from discovery to gameplay. Furthermore, the platform will enable creators to integrate online and offline modes within a single game, opening possibilities for single-player campaigns and sessions that do not require a constant network connection.
Roblox is also bolstering its engine capabilities to better support 2D game development. This includes the introduction of a new orthographic camera, animated image containers, and direct sprite-sheet import functionality.
Enhanced Development Tools
The Build feature, a dedicated tab within the Roblox app that allows users to create and publish games through simple prompts, is expanding its public alpha to Serbia and Singapore. Developers will gain access to new tools designed to offer greater control, including an expanded asset library, desktop access, and iterative development controls. Later in the year, the Scene Generator will bring prompt-to-scene functionality to both Build and Studio, with Studio offering more advanced creator control.
Roblox is also enhancing the capabilities of non-player characters (NPCs), with two new behaviors expected by year-end, including NPCs designed to assist with playtesting.
Financial Tools for Creators
A new financial account, Roblox Wallet, is being introduced to support the scaling of creator businesses. This feature will allow creators to earn directly in real currency, receive automatic daily payments, and transfer funds between Roblox accounts or to external accounts. The Creator Hub will also provide more detailed earnings analytics. Airwallex, the payment services provider for Roblox Wallet, currently has service limitations in New York, Nevada, Hawaii, Indiana, and Wisconsin. A Roblox representative indicated that for some U.S. customers in these states, Airwallex partners with trusted U.S. banks to provide payment services.
Connected to Roblox Wallet, the Roblox Card will enable creators to spend their available balance anywhere major card networks are accepted. This feature is slated to begin rolling out in 2027. According to a Roblox spokesperson, the Roblox Card will function as a debit card, allowing creators to access and spend funds from their Wallet for real-world expenses, with no associated credit line or loan.
These developments come amidst ongoing discussions regarding child safety on the platform, an issue the company has been addressing with measures such as new age-restricted accounts introduced in June. The platform's significant user engagement, however, underscores its continued popularity.