Roblox has introduced “Cube,” its first AI-driven 3D model, designed to help creators generate 3D objects effortlessly. Announced on Monday, the platform will also release an open-source version, allowing developers outside of Roblox to customize and expand on the technology.
Originally revealed during last year’s Roblox Developer Conference, Cube is set to be showcased at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) later today.
What Cube Brings to Creators
Game developers on Roblox will gain access to Cube later this week, beginning with its mesh generation tool, which is currently in beta. This feature allows users to create 3D models using simple text prompts. For example, entering “generate an orange racing car with black stripes” would instantly produce a corresponding 3D model. Creators can then refine these designs within Roblox Studio.
The open-source version of Cube enables external developers to modify the tool, integrate custom plug-ins, or train the model using their own datasets, making it adaptable for a variety of creative needs.
Additional AI Tools Coming Soon
Beyond Cube, Roblox has announced three upcoming AI-powered tools:
- Text Generation – Allows developers to create interactive non-player characters (NPCs) capable of engaging in dynamic text-based conversations.
- Text-to-Speech – Enables NPCs to speak, provides in-game narration, and supports voice captions.
- Speech-to-Text – Lets players control in-game actions using voice commands, such as directing characters to move.
Future Enhancements: Scene Generation & 4D Interactivity
Roblox plans to expand Cube’s capabilities to handle more complex 3D objects and even scene generation. For instance, creators will soon be able to prompt the AI to build an entire forest scene and dynamically adjust elements, such as transitioning tree leaves from green to autumn shades to reflect seasonal changes.
Looking even further ahead, Roblox aims to achieve “4D creation”, where AI-generated objects and environments become interactive.
“The fourth dimension is the interaction between objects, environments, and people,” said Nick Tornow, Roblox’s Vice President of Engineering, in an interview with TechCrunch.
AI’s Impact on the Gaming Industry
Roblox’s AI advancements align with a broader industry trend, with companies like Tencent recently unveiling their own AI-driven 3D generation models. However, AI in gaming remains a topic of debate.
A Game Developers Conference (GDC) report highlighted that 30% of game developers believe generative AI is negatively impacting the industry. Additionally, a study by CVL Economics estimates that 13.4% of gaming jobs could be affected or replaced by AI by 2026.
Despite these concerns, Roblox believes that AI-powered tools like Cube will accelerate game development, empowering indie developers to take on more ambitious projects. The company has already integrated AI for texture generation and avatar creation, with Cube marking its latest push into the generative AI space.
Source: Techcrunch
