Roblox adds instantaneous text translation, plans to translate voices using AI in future

Roblox Introduces Real-Time Translation in AI Feature

Roblox is unveiling a groundbreaking AI feature that enables real-time translation of users’ text into multiple languages. Additionally, the Roblox team is working on implementing a feature that will translate voices into different languages using this AI technology.

Today’s addition to Roblox allows users to type a message in their own language and see it instantaneously translated into other supported languages within the gaming environment. This feature will be available in all Roblox experiences that leverage TextChatService.

Real-Time Translation in Action

Image credit: Roblox

The Roblox team envisions this new text translation feature as a first step toward more AI-generated translation opportunities in the future.

Enabling Global Communication

”We started using AI to translate in-experience content at scale, so our community developers can engage more users globally. Now, thanks to our new real-time AI chat translations, we’ve made something possible on Roblox that isn’t even possible in the physical world – enabling people to overcome language barriers and seamlessly communicate with one another in immersive 3D experiences,” said Roblox’s chief technology officer Daniel Sturman.

”In the future, we envision every part of a user experience on Roblox to be fully translated into their native language, including offering AI-powered voice translation.”

Zhen Fang, Roblox’s head of international, expressed the team’s commitment to making the platform accessible and “truly localised” for its users, making the world feel a little bit smaller through globally enabled features like these.

Industry Implications and Future Concerns

Certainly, this new feature will not be without concern within the Roblox community. The platform has faced scrutiny about its moderation and the inclusion of explicit content in the past. Furthermore, the implementation of AI technology in the video game industry has been a topic of debate.

”The excitement of what AI can do is perhaps not allowing us to see the pitfalls and appreciate the pitfalls,” said actress Jane Perry in an interview with Eurogamer. Perry emphasized the need for caution and care when proceeding with the implementation of AI technology.

Moreover, other companies in the gaming industry, such as Ubisoft and Square Enix, have also been experimenting with AI technology. CD Projekt Red, for instance, utilized AI to replicate a voice actor for the Polish release of an expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, with the family’s permission, after the actor’s passing.