Developer Airland Studios revealedAirland World, a free-to-play sandbox game-creation platform described as “Robloxfor adults.” With an ever-growing community of millions of players worldwide, the success ofRobloxseems to be inspiring other companies to provide their own game-building platforms.
When it comes to sandbox platforms allowing people to build their own games and gather thousands of players, few titles are as popular asRoblox. With many templates and building blocks,Roblox Studioallows anyone to create their own game and publish it for the 230 million registeredRobloxplayers to discover. Creators get a commission every time someone purchases something in-game, which can turn into a ridiculous amount if this game becomes as popular asRobloxhitsAdopt Me!orMurder Mystery 2. EachRobloxgame is different, with seemingly endless possibilities for new gameplay innovations, with someRobloxgames even competing with popular licenses likeCall of Duty.
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Airland Studios wants to benefit fromRoblox’s popularity and take its share of this ever-growing market by offering its own sandbox game-creation platform,Airland World. The developer describes this new platform as “Robloxfor adults,” favoring realistic landscapes, vehicles, and weapons compared toRoblox’s traditional cartoonish aesthetic.Airland Worldallows anyone to create their own video game with its realistic templates, from a hobby project to “the nextGrand Theft Auto 5.” Creators can then monetize their game to try and make some profit, just like inRoblox.
Besides its millions of active players,Robloxis a model for other gaming companies as it rakes millions and millions of dollars. In 2022,Robloxgenerated $2.2 billion in revenue, up 16% year-over-year. Players spend their money to purchase Robux, the in-game currency allowing them to make various purchases in the game. Recently, a single mom reported that her7-year-old son emptied her bank account onRoblox, spending almost $900 to spoil himself on his favorite games.
Robloxinspires players from all across the world to create their own games, from the re-enactment of the Titanic’s sinking from the crew’s perspective to theRobloxversion of popular anime games. If most games bear a cartoonish aesthetic made of cubes, some more realisticRobloxgames are available for those looking for better graphics. WhetherAirland Worldwill manage to compete withRobloxremains to be seen, but the sandbox game-creation platform surely appeals to a large market of aspiring game creators looking for a more mature solution.
