Our Roblox games are intentionally designed to be highly accessible from the ground up. Several core design choices make our experiences easier to play for a wide range of players: 1. Fixed Top-Down Camera for One-Hand Play We use a custom, fixed top-down camera instead of Roblox’s default third-person system.This removes the need to control […]
Simplicity Is Not Childish: Why Roblox Characters Look the Way They Do
Every so often someone asks why Roblox characters look like Lego people. It’s an innocent question, but it usually hints at a deeper assumption: blocky equals childish. For anyone building educational or professional experiences on Roblox, this misunderstanding can get in the way of seeing the platform’s real strengths. The truth is that simplicity does […]
Turning Inaccuracies Into Teachable Moments
One of the design realities of creating educational RPGs is that sometimes scientific or factual accuracy needs to be adjusted for gameplay. A process might be shortened, an effect exaggerated, or a system simplified so that the player can actually interact with it in a meaningful way. At first glance, this might feel like a […]
Why We Love Top-Down Cameras
Top-down camera games have several advantages over free-camera games, particularly in terms of accessibility and for small production teams. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits: Accessibility Advantages Simpler Controls – Players don’t have to manage camera movement, reducing cognitive load. This makes the game more accessible to those with motor impairments, beginners, or players unfamiliar […]
The Importance of System Development in Scalable Game Design
In game development, particularly for educational and scalable RPG experiences, system development is the backbone of success. Before diving into specific content and world-building, it’s crucial to establish robust systems that allow for efficient development, iteration, and control over core platform functions. The ability to manage not just genre-specific mechanics like quests, NPCs, and inventory […]
Understanding RPG Map Types: A Guide to World Navigation
Maps are a fundamental component of RPGs, shaping how players explore and interact with the game world. Different types of maps serve distinct purposes, from vast overworlds to detailed interiors. Understanding these categories can help developers design immersive and intuitive navigation systems. 1. Overworld Map The overworld map is the large-scale representation of the game’s […]
Key Strategies for Balancing Game and Learning
When designing educational RPGs, finding the right balance between gameplay and information is crucial. Too much game can overshadow the learning objectives, making it fun but ineffective as an educational tool. Too much information can make it feel like a lecture, losing engagement and interactivity. 1. Embed Learning into Gameplay (Rather than Separating Them) Ensure […]
Why Virtual Explorers Recommends RPG Maker & Roblox over Minecraft and Fortnite
In selecting the best platform for educational RPGs, Virtual Explorers focuses on ease of use, educational relevance, and technical scalability. While RPG Maker and Roblox are the top choices, Minecraft and Fortnite were excluded for specific reasons. 🔹 RPG Maker (Best for Low/No-Code and Easy Graphics) ✅ Why Choose It? No coding required – Ideal […]
Pixel Art for 3D: Why MagicaVoxel might be the Best Choice for Scalable 3D Game Art
When working on a 2D RPG, pixel art is simple, scalable, and easy to hand off to other developers. But what if you want to make a 3D game while keeping those same benefits? Enter MagicaVoxel. The Problem: Detail vs. Scalability In 2D, pixel density determines detail—more pixels = more detail, but also more work. […]
My First Month in Roblox: A Breath of Fresh Air After Years in VR
For the past eight years, I worked exclusively on VR applications—an exciting but relentless space where everything was constantly changing, nothing had a clear path to success, and almost every problem required inventing a solution from scratch. It was exhilarating, but also exhausting. Now, after a month of working in Roblox, I can say without […]