Roblox has made developing games easy enough to do, even for its users.
The company behind the popular mobile game recently announced it is launching its generative AI game creation tools for its Roblox Studio to help turn users' game ideas into reality.
Roblox previously announced its intention to release such tools in mid-February, though it is only now that it is launching its AI tools for public use.
In this photo illustration, the Roblox app seen displayed on... SPAIN - 2021/03/30: In this photo illustration, the Roblox app seen displayed on a smartphone screen and a Roblox logo in the background. (Photo Illustration by Thiago Prudêncio/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Roblox Generative AI Game Creation Tools Details
Roblox reportedly mentioned that it is launching its first AI tools for beta testing on Mar. 22, allowing those who wish to test out its new generative AI game creation tools for themselves and provide feedback on them, per Engadget.
The company mentioned that it is releasing two AI tools for beta testers to try: Code Assist and Material Generator. While both tools are still inadequate to help Roblox users turn their game ideas into a reality, Stefano Corazza, Vice President and Head of Roblox Studio, said at the Game Developers Conference that he hopes they will soon make every Roblox user become a creator.
Let's start our exploration with Code Assist. According to the company, this generative AI tool will help automate basic coding tasks for a user through a description of what an object should do in their game, per Ars Technica.
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For example, a user could ask Roblox Studio's Code Assist tool to make an orb turn red and have it self-destruct when a player touches it. The tool will then generate a seven-line Lua function that does just that.
Users could even instruct the tool to create a grid of orbs around the previously mentioned one, and the tool will automatically generate such a grid around the self-destructive one.
Meanwhile, the other AI tool, Material Generator, allows Roblox users to create a variety of objects by describing what it looks like to the tool. The company mentioned in its Dev Forum that the tool would generate the object users described within a few seconds, though it will present preview images of what it would create to let users determine if it made the right thing.
The tool could also generate realistic textures for the materials users have in mind, including those for a "bright red rock cnayon" and "stained glass."
Will it Make Game Development Easier?
Roblox's generative AI tools are far cry from the tools the company wants its users to utilize and enjoy. Corazza revealed that the tools could still generate "incorrect" or "misleading" information that users should review, test, and determine if the generated content is "contextually appropriate."
However, these tools could be the spark that would let people create games even if they didn't study game development in college.
Corazza mentioned at the Conference that these tools could help "democratize" game creation, allowing complete amateurs previously blocked by technical hurdles and lack of specialized skills but had a great idea to turn their ideas into something others could play.
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