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| footer = The logo used from 2017 to 2021 (left), and the logo used from 2021 to 2022 (right).
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Roblox Studio was officially launched alongside [[Roblox]] on September 1, 2006, marking the beginning of a new era in user-generated game development.<ref name="is" /> Initially, Roblox focused on a blocky aesthetic, which resonated with younger audiences and laid the groundwork for community-driven content creation.
On October 1, 2013, Roblox introducedreleased its Developer Exchange program, enablingallowing developers to exchange [[Virtual economy|virtual currencycurrencies]] earned from their games into real-world currency. This innovation empowered creators to monetize their work and fostered a thriving ecosystem of game developmentcurrencies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=June 6, 2014 |title=Roblox is gaming's quiet giant – and it's only getting bigger |url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/06/06/roblox-is-gamings-quiet-giant-and-its-only-getting-bigger/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129235317/https://venturebeat.com/2014/06/06/roblox-is-gamings-quiet-giant-and-its-only-getting-bigger/ |archive-date=November 29, 2018 |access-date=April 24, 2018 |website=[[VentureBeat]]}}</ref> On May 31, 2015, a feature called Smooth Terrain was added, increasing the graphical fidelity of in-game terrain and changing the Roblox physics engine from a block-oriented style to a smoother and more realistic one.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=June 1, 2015 |title=Roblox user-generated world moves from blocky terrain to smooth 3D |url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/06/01/roblox-user-generated-world-moves-from-blocky-to-smooth-3d-terrain/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129235824/https://venturebeat.com/2015/06/01/roblox-user-generated-world-moves-from-blocky-to-smooth-3d-terrain/ |archive-date=November 29, 2018 |access-date=June 3, 2015 |website=[[VentureBeat]]}}</ref> On November 20, Roblox Studio began rolling out support for the publishing of [[Xbox One]] games, subject to an approval process based on [[Entertainment Software Rating Board]] standards.<ref name="XboxOneRelease">{{Cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=September 24, 2015 |title=Roblox comes to Xbox One, joins Minecraft in the growing player-made content space on consoles |url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/09/24/roblox-comes-to-xbox-one/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130001239/https://venturebeat.com/2015/09/24/roblox-comes-to-xbox-one/ |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |access-date=November 30, 2018 |website=[[VentureBeat]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=January 27, 2016 |title=Roblox launches on Xbox One with 15 player-created games – watch us play them |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/01/27/roblox-launches-on-xbox-one-with-15-player-created-games-watch-us-play-them/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130001719/https://venturebeat.com/2016/01/27/roblox-launches-on-xbox-one-with-15-player-created-games-watch-us-play-them/ |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |access-date=November 30, 2018 |website=[[VentureBeat]]}}</ref>
ThroughoutIn itsMarch history2024, two [[generative artificial intelligence]] tools were introduced to Roblox Studio hasin continuedan effort to evolve,speed addingup featurescontent thatcreation: empowerautomatic usersavatar customization and expanda thetexture possibilitiesgenerator. forThe gameavatar designcustomization feature automatically converts three-dimensional body meshes into live-animated avatars, whileand fosteringthe atexture vibrantgenerator communityallows users to create textures of developersobjects andusing players.text descriptions through a [[text-to-image model]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rousseau |first=Jeffrey|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/roblox-unveils-new-ai-powered-creation-tools-news-in-brief|title=Roblox unveils new AI-powered creation tools|website=Games Industry |date=March 20, 2024|access-date=March 25, 2024|archive-date=March 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320134636/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/roblox-unveils-new-ai-powered-creation-tools-news-in-brief |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Irwin |first=Kate |url=https://uk.pcmag.com/ai/151470/roblox-launches-new-generative-ai-texture-and-avatar-tools-for-creators|title=Roblox Launches New Generative AI Texture and Avatar Tools for Creators|website=[[PCMag]] |date=March 18, 2024|access-date=March 25, 2024|archive-date=March 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319070357/https://uk.pcmag.com/ai/151470/roblox-launches-new-generative-ai-texture-and-avatar-tools-for-creators |url-status=live}}</ref> ▼On May 31, 2015, Roblox implemented a significant upgrade with the introduction of Smooth Terrain, enhancing the graphical fidelity of in-game environments. This update transitioned the physics engine from a block-oriented style to a smoother, more realistic rendering of landscapes, greatly improving the player experience.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=June 1, 2015 |title=Roblox user-generated world moves from blocky terrain to smooth 3D |url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/06/01/roblox-user-generated-world-moves-from-blocky-to-smooth-3d-terrain/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129235824/https://venturebeat.com/2015/06/01/roblox-user-generated-world-moves-from-blocky-to-smooth-3d-terrain/ |archive-date=November 29, 2018 |access-date=June 3, 2015 |website=[[VentureBeat]]}}</ref>
On November 20, 2015, Roblox Studio began rolling out support for publishing games on the [[Xbox One]], expanding its reach to console gamers. This development included an approval process based on [[Entertainment Software Rating Board]] standards to ensure age-appropriate content.<ref name="XboxOneRelease">{{Cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=September 24, 2015 |title=Roblox comes to Xbox One, joins Minecraft in the growing player-made content space on consoles |url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/09/24/roblox-comes-to-xbox-one/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130001239/https://venturebeat.com/2015/09/24/roblox-comes-to-xbox-one/ |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |access-date=November 30, 2018 |website=[[VentureBeat]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=January 27, 2016 |title=Roblox launches on Xbox One with 15 player-created games – watch us play them |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/01/27/roblox-launches-on-xbox-one-with-15-player-created-games-watch-us-play-them/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130001719/https://venturebeat.com/2016/01/27/roblox-launches-on-xbox-one-with-15-player-created-games-watch-us-play-them/ |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |access-date=November 30, 2018 |website=[[VentureBeat]]}}</ref>
In March 2024, Roblox Studio introduced innovative [[generative artificial intelligence]] tools aimed at expediting content creation. These included automatic avatar customization and a texture generator. The avatar customization feature automatically converts three-dimensional body meshes into live-animated avatars, while the texture generator allows users to create textures using text descriptions through a [[text-to-image model]]. This advancement not only enhances the creative process but also democratizes game development by making it more accessible to those without extensive artistic skills.
▲Throughout its history, Roblox Studio has continued to evolve, adding features that empower users and expand the possibilities for game design, while fostering a vibrant community of developers and players..<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rousseau |first=Jeffrey|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/roblox-unveils-new-ai-powered-creation-tools-news-in-brief|title=Roblox unveils new AI-powered creation tools|website=Games Industry |date=March 20, 2024|access-date=March 25, 2024|archive-date=March 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320134636/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/roblox-unveils-new-ai-powered-creation-tools-news-in-brief |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Irwin |first=Kate |url=https://uk.pcmag.com/ai/151470/roblox-launches-new-generative-ai-texture-and-avatar-tools-for-creators|title=Roblox Launches New Generative AI Texture and Avatar Tools for Creators|website=[[PCMag]] |date=March 18, 2024|access-date=March 25, 2024|archive-date=March 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319070357/https://uk.pcmag.com/ai/151470/roblox-launches-new-generative-ai-texture-and-avatar-tools-for-creators |url-status=live}}</ref>
== Features ==
[[File:Luau Syntax.jpg|thumb|Screenshot of Lua''u'' source code]]
Roblox Studio utilizesuses Lua''u'', a [[Dialect (computing)|dialect]] of the language [[Lua (programming language )|Lua]], for [[Scripting language|scripting]]. ThisA variantderivative is derived fromof Lua 5.1 and is designed to maximize performance with support for gradual typing., Lua''u'' incorporatessupports features[[gradual that facilitate writing robust code, combining linting toolstyping]] and typeis checkingdesigned to enhancemaximize stability[[Computer performance|performance]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why Luau? |url=https://luau-lang.org/why |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=Luau |language=en |quote=All of these motivated us to start reshaping Lua 5.1 that we started from into a new, derivative language that we call Luau. Our focus is on making the language more performant and feature-rich, and make it easier to write robust code through a combination of linting and type checking using a gradual type system.}}</ref><ref name="How" /><ref name=":101" /><ref name="androidpolice">{{Cite web |last=Leroux |first=Faith |date=January 11, 2024 |title=What is Roblox? Navigate the popular game creation platform with ease |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/roblox-game-platform-guide-explainer/ |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=Android Police}}</ref> In November 2021, [[Roblox Corporation]] released Lua''u'' under the [[MIT License]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 3, 2021 |title=Luau Goes Open-Source |url=https://luau-lang.org/2021/11/03/luau-goes-open-source.html |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=Luau |language=en}}</ref>
Roblox Studio also uses [[C++]] for background processes such as memory management.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wirtz |first=Bryan |date=September 29, 2023 |title=Getting Started With Roblox Scripting |url=https://www.gamedesigning.org/learn/roblox-coding/ |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=GameDesigning}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=What Code Does Roblox Use? (Lua, C++, Java, or Python) |url=https://funtech.co.uk/latest/what-code-does-roblox-use-lua-c-java-or-python |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=FunTechBlog|date=June 27, 2022 }}</ref>
=== Templates ===
Roblox Studio provides multiple premade game templates.<ref name=":101" /><ref name="androidpolice" />
Roblox Studio offers multiple pre-made game templates that provide developers with a solid starting point. These templates are ideal for both beginners and experienced developers, facilitating rapid prototyping and game customization.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jagneaux |first=David |title=The Ultimate Roblox Book: An Unofficial Guide: Learn How to Build Your Own Worlds, Customize Your Games, and So Much More! |date=January 1, 2018 |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]] |isbn=978-1507205334 |page=240 |lccn=2017040387}}</ref>
=== Toolbox ===
The Toolbox feature allows access to the Roblox Marketplace directly from within Roblox Studio. InThe thisMarketplace marketplace, users can findprovides user-created models, plugins, audio, images, meshes, videosvideo, and fonts. This functionality not only streamlines the development process but also fosters collaboration among creators.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jagneaux |first=David |title=The Ultimate Roblox Book: An Unofficial Guide: Learn How to Build Your Own Worlds, Customize Your Games, and So Much More! |date=January 1, 2018 |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]] |isbn=978-1507205334 |page=240 |lccn=2017040387}}</ref><ref name="Toolbox">{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2023 |title=Roblox Toolbox Full Guide |url=https://learnbuildplay.com/blog/roblox-toolbox-full-guide/ |access-date=August 7, 2024 |website=Learn. Build. Play.}}</ref>
=== Plugins ===
== Usage ==
AsAll Roblox continuesgames toare grow,produced thewith impactRoblox Studio.<ref name=":101" /><ref name="androidpolice" /> As of 2020, Roblox Studioreported onthat gamemore development,than particularly2 amongmillion youngerdevelopers audiences,used cannotRoblox beStudio overstated.to Itcreate servesmore asthan a20 gatewaymillion forgames manyper intoyear. theA worldmajority of programmingdevelopers were minors, and gameroughly design345, 000 inspiringearned themoney nextthrough generationRoblox's ofDeveloper developersExchange program.<ref name="Study">{{Cite web |last1=Douthwaite |first1=Andrew |last2=Warneford |first2=Matthew |last3=Pierce |first3=Matt |year=2020 |title=Dubit Guide to Roblox for Brands |url=https://docsend.com/view/yytafca42a83pbgq |access-date=July 10, 2020 |website=DocSend |publisher=[[Dubit Limited]] |page=5}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes">{{Cite news |last=Browning |first=Kellen |date=August 16, 2020 |title=You May Not Know This Pandemic Winner, but Your Tween Probably Does |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/16/technology/roblox-tweens-videogame-coronavirus.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816195005/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/16/technology/roblox-tweens-videogame-coronavirus.html |archive-date=August 16, 2020}}</ref> ▼All Roblox games are developed using Roblox Studio, which serves as the primary tool for creators.<ref name=":101" /><ref name="androidpolice" /> As of 2020, Roblox reported that over 2 million developers actively utilized Roblox Studio to produce more than 20 million games annually. This impressive output highlights the platform's accessibility and popularity among creators of all ages, with a significant portion of the developer base comprising minors.
The Developer Exchange program has become a vital aspect of the Roblox ecosystem, allowing approximately 345,000 developers to convert their in-game earnings (in Robux) into real-world currency. This initiative not only incentivizes creativity but also fosters entrepreneurial skills among young developers, giving them the opportunity to monetize their creations.
Roblox Studio’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive resources empower creators to design diverse experiences, from simple obstacle courses to complex multiplayer games. The platform’s focus on community engagement and collaboration further enhances the development process, as users share scripts, assets, and ideas to elevate their projects.
▲As Roblox continues to grow, the impact of Roblox Studio on game development, particularly among younger audiences, cannot be overstated. It serves as a gateway for many into the world of programming and game design, inspiring the next generation of developers.<ref name="Study">{{Cite web |last1=Douthwaite |first1=Andrew |last2=Warneford |first2=Matthew |last3=Pierce |first3=Matt |year=2020 |title=Dubit Guide to Roblox for Brands |url=https://docsend.com/view/yytafca42a83pbgq |access-date=July 10, 2020 |website=DocSend |publisher=[[Dubit Limited]] |page=5}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes">{{Cite news |last=Browning |first=Kellen |date=August 16, 2020 |title=You May Not Know This Pandemic Winner, but Your Tween Probably Does |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/16/technology/roblox-tweens-videogame-coronavirus.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816195005/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/16/technology/roblox-tweens-videogame-coronavirus.html |archive-date=August 16, 2020}}</ref>
== See also ==
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