As technology continues to evolve, so do the methods that Roblox creators can use to animate and improve their games. Players will soon be able to experience what these technological innovations can produce in the game Roblox.
Founded in 2004, the Roblox Corporation is an American video game developer who produces Roblox, an online platform for players to create their own games to be enjoyed by others. While this game was originally targeted towards a younger audience, it gained traction among players of all ages. With Roblox’s growing attraction to a larger audience, some parts of the gaming community now question if it is still safe for children like it was originally intended to be. Even so, the Roblox Corporation was ranked on the top list of mobile game developers, and in 2020 it was regarded as the 9th most innovative company in both video games and the world. The platform is constantly developing, seen recently as Roblox received a patent to create 3D models. However, Roblox will now be making it even easier for creators to develop games thanks to technology that will be better suited towards facial animations.
A recent patent from Roblox makes facial animations easier for creators by the use of texture manipulation. The way it works is through a face template provided to the user that allows them to then animate and develop the features on top of. Multiple layers are used to create a composite face that consist of a bottom, animation, and static layer. These layers are then animated to help build the composite layer of the face for improved facial animations, which could be a great feature to be used with Robloxs' implementation of voice chat.
The background for this patent describes how the platform allows users to interact with one another in an online space, and that this advanced animation for faces is one step further towards a better gaming experience. Having more developed avatars allows for further customization of the appearances and facial expressions, encouraging a more personal interaction with other players and the game itself. On the developmental side, providing favorable templates for creators to produce intricate facial expressions also invites skill levels of all ranges to participate. In 2021, Roblox Corporations was named most valuable gaming company, and its recent patents offer further proof to why this is.
Despite advancements in player interactions, Roblox has banned romantic gestures, such as holding hands. This is most likely an attempt to promote a safe space for players of all ages, and to keep content as appropriate as possible.
Roblox is available on Mobile, PC, Xbox One.