One of ROBLOX’s core guiding design principles is that we want to be the best physics-based toy on the internet. What this really means is that objects in-game behave exactly as you would expect them to in real life. We’ve still got a ways to go in terms of realizing this ultimate vision (going to be an exciting year). However, today we are taking an important step.

Today ROBLOX is testing physics-based collision sounds! The ROBLOX soundscape has languished for far too long! This year it is likely to see many improvements, this one being the first.

In-game part collisions now result in a 3D sound being played at the position of the collision. In aggregate, this should result in very realistic rubble/debris scattering noises when you blow stuff up.

Currently we’re using the aural equivalent of programmer art for the sounds – we’re going to get professional ones in soon. Also, at present you will only hear collision sounds for objects close to you. We’re going to experiment in the future with pushing this radius outwards.

To test the new sounds, just visit any place with a lot of bricks flying around. The original Crossroads might be suitable.

Depending on the results of this limited test, we will be deciding at the end of the day whether to leave this feature on, or to turn it off while we make changes.

Try them out, then give us your feedback!

– Telamon