Tech

Roblox to debut AI-powered mobile game creation tool 'Build' in July 2026

The new 'Build' feature leverages open-source and proprietary AI models to allow users aged nine and older to generate interactive experiences without programming expertise, marking the company’s first foray into mobile game creation.

Author
Owen Mercer
Markets and Finance Editor
Published
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Source: Engadget · original
Roblox will offer AI-generated game creation on mobile later this year
Platform introduces natural language generation for smartphones, with limited alpha testing commencing in the Philippines

Roblox has announced the launch of 'Build', a new mobile-focused feature designed to generate interactive game experiences from natural language prompts. According to the company, the toolset utilises a combination of open-source and proprietary artificial intelligence models to automate the creation of gameplay mechanics, environments, and characters. This initiative marks the first time the platform is bringing game creation capabilities to smartphones and tablets, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for users who do not possess programming expertise.

The feature will enter limited public alpha testing in the Philippines on 28 July 2026, with plans to expand to additional regions in the coming months. Access to the creation tools is restricted to users aged nine and older. Once creations pass safety checks and are published, they will be made globally available to users aged 16 and up. The announcement follows a period of scrutiny regarding the platform's age verification systems, which saw the introduction of restricted account tiers last month.

By enabling the generation of basic games from text prompts, 'Build' represents a shift in how players interact with the Roblox ecosystem. The technology aims to streamline the development process, allowing individuals to create interactive experiences without the need for complex coding knowledge. This approach aligns with the company’s broader strategy to expand its user base and facilitate more accessible content creation across its mobile applications.

The rollout schedule indicates a phased approach to deployment, beginning with the Philippine market before moving to other territories. Roblox has not yet specified the timeline for the expansion beyond the initial alpha phase, though the company confirmed that more regions would be added in the months following the July launch. The move positions Roblox to compete more aggressively in the mobile gaming sector by leveraging generative AI to reduce development friction.

While the technical specifications of the AI models have been disclosed, the long-term impact of the 'Build' feature remains to be seen. The platform has previously faced challenges in implementing effective age verification, raising questions about how the new tool will be monitored. Industry observers will be watching closely to determine whether the integration of AI into mobile game creation serves as a positive innovation for the platform or introduces new operational complexities.

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