Table of Contents
TL;DR
Roblox uses its own proprietary “Roblox Engine”—a cloud-based platform with Lua scripting, built-in social features, and cross-platform compatibility.
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Roblox’s Custom Game Engine
Roblox runs on its own proprietary game engine, simply called the “Roblox Engine.” This isn’t Unity, Unreal, or any third-party solution—it’s a completely custom-built platform that Roblox Corporation developed specifically for their ecosystem.
What Makes the Roblox Engine Unique
The Roblox Engine is designed around a few core principles that set it apart from traditional game engines:
- Cloud-based architecture: Games run on Roblox’s servers, not locally on your device
- Lua scripting: Uses a modified version of Lua called Luau for game logic
- Block-based building: Built around voxel-style construction with parts and models
- Integrated social features: Chat, friends, and multiplayer are baked into the engine itself
- Cross-platform compatibility: Automatically works across PC, mobile, Xbox, and VR
Technical Architecture
The engine uses a client-server model where the physics simulation and game state management happen on Roblox’s servers. Your device essentially acts as a renderer and input handler, which is why Roblox games can run on relatively low-end hardware.
The rendering system has evolved significantly over the years, now supporting advanced lighting, materials, and even some ray tracing features. However, it maintains the distinctive blocky aesthetic that defines the platform.
Unlike engines like Unity or Unreal that you download and use to build standalone games, the Roblox Engine is entirely cloud-based. You create games using Roblox Studio, which connects directly to their servers. This means: While some developers debate whether Roblox qualifies as a “true” game engine compared to industry standards, it’s undeniably a powerful platform that has enabled millions of creators to build successful games. If you’re curious about experiencing what this unique engine can produce, you’ll find plenty of creative examples to explore.
Who this is for: Game developers, Roblox creators, and anyone curious about the technical foundation behind the popular platform.
