Roblox made an announcement at RDC 2024 that it will launch a new ‘Party’ feature in October. It said party will allow players to communicate with each other and join matches together. Party will have age restrictions to moderate communication in the virtual environment.
Roblox Developers Conference 2024, Source: Roblox X account
As part of the recent RDC 2024, a two-day annual conference from September 6th to 7th, 2024, the core team shared details about upgrading existing features. They emphasized that Roblox is not just a game for them. Their vision is to make it a platform that players use to search for more games and other kinds of entertaining options.
Roblox Party will include age restrictions as well
It's never been easier to connect and play with friends on Roblox. With Party, you'll be able to be together and have fun like never before. #RDC24 pic.twitter.com/1WWOwR4ram
— Roblox (@Roblox) September 6, 2024
Players above 9 years of age can use the party feature. It will allow them to join groups and check out experiences together. This feature allows them to communicate through text only.
Players above 13 years of age will eventually be able to use voice chats after the launch of the party feature in October. Additionally, a private party experience on the same teams will be available too.
The reason for restrictions on the party feature highlights a purpose behind it. In the past, there have been child safety issues in the game. The team is ensuring safer communication in the game with strict moderation of the features.
Roblox new party feature looks like Discord chats
Although the tweet by the official Roblox account on X regarding the announcement says that “it’s never been easier to connect and play with friends on Roblox,” the feature still has a resemblance to Discord chats.
One user also replied under the announcement on X, “Discord on Roblox, discords better tbh.”
It is possible that the popularity of Discord chats could be the core team’s inspiration. A party feature of its own can increase the activity on Roblox’s platform. However, Discord stands out with some features that party currently lacks.
There are fewer age requirements on Discord, which also has live streaming features for players to watch each other’s gameplay.
Additionally, the game will be following Fortnite’s footsteps in adding different options like music streaming and a Creator Affiliate Program. Upgrading the party system in the game will increase the time players spend on the game as they will be motivated to interact with those things.
Roblox has a large number of players from different age groups around the world. The reason for this seems to be the various experiences the game provides to its community. Currently, the group and party features are basic at the moment in the game. If this area is upgraded, it may help them increase the growth of their platform
Earlier Roblox’s chief scientist also revealed the platform’s plans to incorporate AI for real-time voice chat translation of 45 languages. He also shared the possibility of using AI to allow players to create game content using voice commands.