Roblox, a video gaming platform, will allow creators to release their games as standalone apps for mobile devices, PCs, and consoles, giving developers more ways to reach players outside the main Roblox app.
Roblox announced the plan at its 12th annual Roblox Developers Conference in San Mateo, California. The invite-only event for developers, artists, designers, brands, and influencers also marked Roblox’s 20th anniversary.
Roblox did not say when standalone apps would become available. However, it confirmed that players will be able to open Roblox games through the Chrome browser by the end of 2026. Games can be launched from their Experience Details Page without installing the Roblox app.
Offline play is also coming. Creators will be able to offer single-player sessions that work without an internet connection, while keeping online features in the same game.
These changes could help Roblox compete for players across more devices while giving developers more control over how their games are distributed. They could also make Roblox games easier to access in markets where device storage or internet access may be limited.
Roblox is expanding its game engine to support more 2D and puzzle games. New tools will include an orthographic camera, sprite-sheet imports, additional interface features, and notifications for multiplayer games that do not require everyone to play at the same time.
A Friends chat tab will let conversations follow players as they move between games. Roblox is also adding voice typing.
For game development, Roblox is expanding Build, its prompt-to-game artificial intelligence (AI) tool, to public alpha testing in Singapore and Serbia after an earlier rollout in New Zealand. Creators have published about 9,000 games using Build, with 71% coming from first-time Roblox Studio users.
A Scene Generator that turns written prompts into game environments will arrive in Build and Roblox Studio later this year. Roblox also plans to introduce non-player characters that can help test games by year-end.
The company is also changing how creators make money. Roblox Wallet, scheduled to launch later this year for eligible U.S. creators aged 18 and older, will let them receive daily payments in real currency and transfer funds. A global expansion is planned for 2027, followed by the Roblox Card.
Roblox also made its Moments gameplay video tab fully available in the United States and updated its game discovery system to better account for how younger and older players use the platform.
The conference ended with the 2026 Roblox Innovation Awards. Animal Hospital won both the People’s Choice and Builderman awards, while RIVALS by Nosniy Games was named Best Shooter.