Roblox has built a massive gaming empire by keeping millions of player-created experiences inside one platform. That boundary could soon disappear, as the company prepares to let creators turn their Roblox games into standalone apps for PC, consoles and mobile devices.
• Roblox is expanding beyond its own ecosystem
• Creators will be able to release games as standalone apps
• PC, console and mobile platforms are part of the plan
The initiative, called Roblox Everywhere, was unveiled at the Roblox Developers Conference. It is designed to let selected developers distribute their creations as independent applications while Roblox continues providing the technology and services powering them behind the scenes.
• Roblox Everywhere will initially involve selected developers
• Standalone releases could reach multiple platforms
• Roblox technology will continue powering the games
The biggest uncertainty is where these standalone games will actually be sold. Roblox is exploring distribution through major storefronts such as Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG, although the company has not confirmed a final list. Initial testing with selected developers and storefronts is expected before a wider rollout.
• Major PC storefronts are being considered
• Distribution plans have not been finalised
• Early testing will shape the wider launch
The move could give Roblox creators access to enormous audiences they currently cannot reach without asking players to enter the Roblox ecosystem. It could also challenge the perception that Roblox is limited to simple experiences, as increasingly ambitious games are being built on the platform and attracting serious attention from players.
• Creators could reach millions of new players
• Roblox games are becoming increasingly ambitious
• Standalone releases could create new opportunities for developers
There is also a bigger industry shift happening underneath the announcement. Traditional game companies have increasingly moved toward creator platforms such as Roblox to find new audiences, while Roblox now appears ready to move in the opposite direction. If its games begin appearing alongside conventional PC and console titles, the line between Roblox experiences and traditional standalone games could become much harder to see.
• Game publishers are already embracing Roblox
• Roblox is now moving toward traditional gaming platforms
• The gaming industry could become even more interconnected
Via: PC Gamer
