How To Make A Game On Roblox: A Comprehensive Guide

Is your child interested in creating their own video game but doesn’t know where to start? Roblox offers an excellent platform for aspiring game developers to bring their ideas to life.

a laptop with a screen

With Roblox, that dream is possible and is within your child’s grasp! Roblox is a vibrant ecosystem that empowers creators of all skill levels to bring their wildest ideas to life.

What sets Roblox apart is its unique blend of accessibility and power. The platform’s intuitive interface welcomes beginners with open arms, while its robust set of tools offers seasoned developers the flexibility to create complex, immersive experiences. Whether your little one is envisioning a high-octane racing game, a tranquil role-playing adventure, or an innovative puzzle challenge, Roblox provides the canvas for their creativity. With its built-in physics engine, customizable characters, and a vast library of pre-made assets, they’ll find themselves equipped with everything they need to transform their ideas into interactive realities.

In the UK, millions of children spent significant daily time on gaming apps between 2019-2023. This indicates a general trend of gaming interest among UK children. Don’t let your child be left out. Enrol them in online Roblox coding courses. Dip their toes into the world of coding with Lua, Roblox’s scripting language, opening doors to broader programming concepts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Roblox is a powerhouse in the gaming industry, offering a platform for both playing and creating games.
  • Learning to create games on Roblox offers numerous advantages, especially for aspiring developers and young learners.
  • The Online Roblox Coding Course for Kids is an excellent way for young minds to explore the exciting world of game development.

Unlock your child’s creativity and coding skills with our game development programs.

Start Free Trial

Roblox and Its Game Development Capabilities

Roblox is a powerful platform that allows users to play and create games. It has a set of tools that enable developers of all skill levels to build immersive 3D experiences. With Roblox, you can create a wide variety of games, from simple obstacle courses to complex role-playing adventures.

Some key features of Roblox game development include:

  • A user-friendly development environment called Roblox Studio
  • Built-in 3D modelling tools
  • A scripting language based on Lua for game logic
  • Multiplayer networking capabilities
  • Cross-platform support for various devices

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make a Game on Roblox

Here are the steps on how your child can make their first Roblox game:

Step 1: Set Up a Roblox Developer Account

To start creating games on Roblox, set up a developer account:

  1. Visit the Roblox website (www.roblox.com) and click “Sign Up”
  2. Create a Roblox account using a unique username and password
  3. Verify your email address
  4. Download and install Roblox Studio from the Roblox website

Once the Roblox Studio has been installed, your child is ready to begin their game development journey.

Step 2: Familiarise with the Roblox Studio Interface

When you first open Roblox Studio, you’ll see the main interface. Here’s a brief overview of the key areas:

  • Toolbar: Contains tools for manipulating objects, such as Move, Scale, and Rotate
  • Explorer: Shows a hierarchical view of all objects in your game
  • Properties: Displays and allows you to edit properties of selected objects
  • Output: Shows error messages and debug information
  • Script Editor: Where you’ll write and edit Lua scripts for your game

Take some time to explore these areas and let your kid familiarise their selves with the layout.

Step 3: Design the Game World, Characters, and Objects

Now that they are familiar with the interface, it’s time to start building their game world:

Creating the Environment

  1. Start with a blank baseplate or choose a template from Roblox Studio’s built-in options
  2. With the terrain tools, shape the landscape of the game world
  3. Add environmental objects like trees, rocks, or buildings from the Toolbox or use Roblox Studio’s modelling tools to create their own

Designing Characters

  1. Create a new model for their character in The Explorer
  2. Add body parts (e.g., torso, head, arms, legs) using basic shapes or mesh parts
  3. Customise the appearance of their character using materials, colours, and textures

Creating Game Objects

  1. Use primitive shapes (e.g., blocks, spheres, cylinders) to create basic objects
  2. Combine shapes to form more complex objects
  3. Add properties to objects, such as making them clickable or giving them specific behaviours

Remember to organise the objects in the Explorer window to keep the project tidy and manageable.

Step 4: Script Game Logic and Behaviours

Roblox makes use of the modified version of the Lua programming language for scripting. Here’s how to add interactivity to the game:

  1. Select an object in the Explorer window
  2. Right-click and choose “Insert Object” > “Script”
  3. Double-click the new script to open it in the Script Editor

Here’s a simple example of a script that makes an object change colour when clicked:

This script does the following:

  1. Obtains a reference to the parent object (the one the script is attached to)
  2. Defines a function that changes the object’s colour to a random colour
  3. Connects the function to the object’s ClickDetector event

As your child becomes more comfortable with Lua, they can create more complex scripts to handle game mechanics, player interactions, and more.

Step 5: Test and Debug The Game

Regular testing is crucial to ensure the game works as intended. Roblox Studio provides several tools for testing:

  • Click the “Play” button in the toolbar to test the game within Studio
  • Use the Output window to view error messages and debug information
  • Add print statements to the scripts to track variable values and script execution

When they encounter issues, use these steps to debug:

  1. Check the Output window for error messages
  2. Review the scripts for logical errors or typos
  3. Track the flow of the code using print statements
  4. Test individual components in isolation to identify the source of the problem

Remember to test the game thoroughly on different devices to ensure a consistent experience for all players.

Step 6: Publish The Game on Roblox

Once you and your child are happy with the game, it’s time to share it with the world:

  1. Click “File” > “Publish to Roblox” in the Roblox Studio menu
  2. Fill in the details for the game, including:
    • Title
    • Description
    • Genre
    • Age recommendation
    • Devices (e.g., PC, mobile, console)
  3. Choose whether to make the game public or keep it private for further testing
  4. Click “Create” to publish the game

Your child’s game will now be available on the Roblox platform for others to play.

Step 7: Promote The Game and Engage with the Community

To help the game gain popularity:

  • Share the game on Roblox forums and social media
  • Create an engaging thumbnail and description for the game
  • Listen to player feedback and make improvements
  • Update the game regularly with new content
  • Engage with players through in-game events or competitions

Building a successful Roblox game takes time and effort. Stay persistent and keep helping your child to improve their skills.

Fuel your child’s imagination with our game design course.

Start Free Trial

Benefits of Learning Roblox Game Development

Here’s why you should support your child who is interested in Roblox:

  • Accessibility for beginners. Roblox Studio provides a user-friendly interface that allows even those with no prior coding experience to start creating games.
  • Creative expression. The platform offers endless possibilities for bringing imaginative ideas to life, fostering creativity and innovation.
  • Programming skills. Learning Lua, the programming language used in Roblox provides a solid foundation in coding that can be applied to other languages and platforms.
  • Game design principles. Students learn essential concepts such as level design, scripting, logic creation, and testing, which are fundamental to developing more complex games.
  • Potential for monetisation. Successful Roblox games can generate income, offering a potential career path in game development. In fact, Roblox Corporation reported impressive financial results in the second quarter of 2024, with total revenues surpassing $893.5 million.
  • Soft skills development. A new study reveals that 84% of the workforce demands soft skills from job applicants. The process of creating games enhances problem-solving abilities and critical thinking and boosts self-confidence, which can be helpful for your child’s future career.

man in black and white stripe shirt using black laptop computer

Essential Tips and Tricks for Aspiring Roblox Game Developers

  • Start with the basics. Familiarise yourself with Roblox Studio’s interface and tools before diving into complex game creation.
  • Learn Lua programming. While not mandatory to start, understanding Lua will significantly enhance your ability to create unique and complex games.
  • Focus on game design. Pay attention to level design, user experience, and game mechanics to create engaging and enjoyable games.
  • Embrace creativity. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Roblox offers endless possibilities for unique game concepts.
  • Test and debug regularly. Frequent testing helps identify and fix issues early in the development process.
  • Collaborate and seek feedback. Engage with the Roblox community, collaborate with others, and be open to constructive criticism to improve your games.
  • Stay updated. Keep learning and adapting to new features and best practices in the ever-evolving Roblox platform.

Help your child turn their game ideas into reality.

Start Free Trial

FAQs about Making Games on Roblox

Q: Do I need to know how to code to make a game on Roblox? 

A: While knowing how to code can be beneficial, it’s not strictly necessary to start making games on Roblox. The platform offers many drag-and-drop features and pre-made assets. However, learning Roblox Lua scripting will greatly enhance your ability to create more complex and unique games.

Q: Is Roblox Studio free to use? 

A: Yes, Roblox Studio is completely free to download and use. Create and publish your own games without any upfront cost.

Q: What’s the appropriate age to start learning Roblox game development? 

A: Roblox is designed to be accessible for users aged 13 and up. However, with parental guidance, children as young as nine can enrol in coding courses and start making Roblox games.

Q: How long does it take to make a game on Roblox? 

A: The time it takes to create a game varies greatly depending on its complexity and your skill level. Simple games could be made in a few hours, while more complex ones might take weeks or months.

Q: Can I make money from my Roblox games? 

A: Yes, it’s possible to earn money through Roblox’s Developer Exchange program. If your game becomes popular and generates Robux (Roblox’s virtual currency), you can exchange these for real money.

Q: Do I need a powerful computer to use Roblox Studio? 

A: While a more powerful computer can make the development process smoother, Roblox Studio can run on most modern computers. Check the official Roblox system requirements for specifics.

Q: Can I collaborate with others on a Roblox game? 

A: Yes, Roblox Studio supports team creation. You can invite other developers to work on your game, allowing for collaborative projects.

Q: How do I protect my game idea on Roblox? 

A: While it’s difficult to completely protect your ideas, you can use Roblox’s copyright system to report any direct copying of your work. However, the best protection is to keep innovating and updating your game.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the type of games I can make?

A: Yes, Roblox has community guidelines that prohibit explicit content, hate speech, and other inappropriate material. Make sure to review these guidelines before publishing your first game.

a young boy sitting on a couch holding a tablet

Why Software Academy is a Great Resource for Learning Roblox

Software Academy stands out as an excellent resource for those looking to learn Roblox and create a successful game:

Key Features of our Roblox Coding for Kids

  • Structured curriculum. The course is designed by university professors, ensuring a well-organized learning path from basics to advanced concepts.
  • Expert instructors. Knowledgeable tutors provide live online classes, offering real-time guidance and support.
  • Hands-on projects. Students create their own Roblox mods, applying what they’ve learned in practical, engaging projects.
  • Flexible learning. The course runs during school holidays, making it accessible and convenient for students.
  • Comprehensive learning experience. Beyond coding, the course covers various aspects of game development, including design processes and testing.
  • Career insights. Students gain valuable experience with a real-world programming language, opening up potential career paths in technology and game development.
  • Portfolio building. By the end of the course, students have a finished project to showcase, which can be valuable for future academic or career opportunities.

Software Academy’s Roblox Coding Course for Kids offers a unique opportunity to transform young tech users into tech innovators. Providing a structured, fun, and educational environment equips students with valuable skills that goes beyond game development. The course teaches coding and game design. It also nurtures creativity, problem-solving abilities, and self-confidence.

Whether your child dreams to become a game designer or simply wants to explore the world of coding, this course provides an excellent starting point. It’s an investment in their future, opening doors to potential careers in technology and fostering skills that are increasingly valuable in our digital world.

Remember, the journey of a thousand games begins with a single line of code. Encourage your child to take their first step into the exciting world of Roblox game development with Software Academy today.

Start Free Trial

Recent posts

About the author

Ana Moniz

Ana lectures for computer games design at higher education. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Games Design and a  Master’s degree in Digital Media Design from the University of Edinburgh

Share