Roblox is officially bringing back parties next month, and this time, they’re better than ever. Parties on Roblox will allow users aged 9+ to group and play together seamlessly. This update was revealed during RDC 2024, alongside a host of other exciting announcements.
Parties were a beloved feature on Roblox until they were removed around 2019, leaving players with limited options to join friends in games. Now, parties are returning with voice calls, game invitations, and enhanced mobile support, making it easier for players to connect with friends across the platform.
How Roblox Parties Will Work in 2024
Roblox parties will feature voice chats that persist even when you join different games. This means you can stay connected with your friends without needing to use in-game chat. The voice calls are integrated directly into the party system, allowing for smoother communication while playing. This update will greatly improve the mobile experience, as players can now manage their calls and gameplay from a single interface.
In addition to the return of parties, Roblox will be releasing genre sorting for games, live video capturing, and ads within experiences, all set to launch later this year.
Genres Are Coming Back
Another big feature returning to Roblox is genre sorting. Announced during RDC 2024, Roblox will bring back the ability to sort games by genre, making it easier for players to discover new experiences that match their interests.
This feature is set to launch by the end of the year and will include an even more detailed breakdown of genres, including niche categories that were previously difficult to find. Whether you’re a fan of simulators, role-playing games, or obstacle courses, genre sorting will help you explore Roblox more efficiently.
Roblox Adds Live Video Capturing and Highlight Sharing
In an exciting update, Roblox is introducing live video capturing that will allow players to record and share key moments from their gameplay directly on their Roblox profiles. This feature, combined with a new API that detects key moments in games, will prompt players to capture these moments and share them with friends.
Players will also be able to upload these videos and screenshots onto their profile pages, marking a major shift in how Roblox players can showcase their achievements and favorite moments. This update draws comparisons to features already found in games like Fortnite, where key gameplay moments are automatically saved.
Full-Screen Ads Coming to Roblox Experiences
Roblox is also making changes to how ads are displayed within experiences, with full-screen advertisements set to roll out in the coming months. While Roblox already has in-experience ads, these new ads will cover the entire screen, similar to those seen in mobile apps.
Though this update may help developers monetize their games, there are concerns about how some creators might abuse full-screen ads in their experiences. If handled responsibly, this change could be a significant revenue boost for Roblox developers.
Dating Experiences Coming to Roblox?
One of the most surprising announcements from David Baszucki at RDC was the prediction that dating experiences could become a reality on Roblox. Baszucki mentioned that 17+ verified users may be able to meet and form relationships in 17+ experiences, sparking debate within the community.
While this concept is still speculative, it indicates a shift in how Roblox is evolving as a platform for all age groups. It remains to be seen how Roblox will handle the potential risks of dating experiences, especially given the platform’s young user base.
Background Downloads are Coming to Roblox
Another feature coming soon is background downloads. Roblox will allow players to launch the game and jump right in without waiting for the client to update. This improvement will make the user experience much smoother, as updates will automatically install in the background, saving players time.
Music is Returning to Roblox with DistroKid Integration
Roblox is also rolling out a new partnership with DistroKid, allowing eligible artists to upload their music directly to the platform. This integration will enable artists to share their music on Roblox, and players will be able to use these tracks in games.
This update represents Roblox’s ambition to expand beyond gaming, positioning itself as a hub for music and other forms of entertainment.
Live Voice Chat Translation Using AI
Roblox is introducing live voice chat translation using AI, a groundbreaking feature that will automatically translate conversations in real-time. Players will soon be able to communicate across language barriers, making Roblox a more inclusive platform for its global user base.
This feature could significantly impact how players interact, making it easier for users from different parts of the world to enjoy games together without language restrictions.
Roblox Teams Up with Shopify for Physical Merchandising
Starting next year, creators will be able to sell physical merchandise directly within their experiences, thanks to a new partnership with Shopify. This integration will allow Roblox creators to sell real-world products in their games, adding a new layer of engagement and revenue generation to the platform.
Roblox is Bringing Back Forums Through Communities
Roblox is set to reintroduce forums, but with a twist. Groups will be renamed to Communities and will feature new tools to help foster discussions, including forum-like features. This brings back some of the social elements of Roblox that players have been missing since the original forums were removed in 2017.
Roblox Games Can Now Be Sold for Real Money
One of the final announcements was that developers will soon be able to sell their games for real money on Roblox. While Roblox already allows creators to monetize their games with Robux, this new feature will allow developers to charge real-world currency for access to their experiences.
Though the revenue split is not as favorable as platforms like Steam (where developers keep 70% of the profits), this feature provides new opportunities for creators to earn from their work.
