Roblox opens early access for 2D AnimatedImage tools in Studio
Developers can import Aseprite files in one click and control animations with the new AnimationPlayer API, but projects cannot be published publicly yet.
Roblox has opened an early access program for a new 2D game development feature called AnimatedImage, the company announced on the Roblox Developer Forum, with the tools currently limited to use inside Roblox Studio. According to gamespark.jp, participating developers can import Aseprite (.ase) files directly into Roblox Studio with a single click.
Imported files retain their animation track names and per-frame playback durations, and can be used as flipbook animations. The new AnimationPlayer API allows developers to control play, stop, track switching, playback speed and looping.
A second component, AnimatedImageService, can create new animation tracks from existing image frames.
Places that use the feature cannot currently be published to the general public, which keeps early access builds inside the development environment.
Replacing script-based 2D animation
Before this, building 2D animation in Roblox required uploading images or sprite sheets and managing frame switching and timing individually with scripts.
Quick answers
What is AnimatedImage in Roblox?
It is a new 2D game development feature in early access that lets developers import Aseprite files into Roblox Studio and use them as flipbook animations.
Can I publish a game that uses AnimatedImage?
No. The feature is currently limited to use within Roblox Studio, and places using it cannot be published to the general public.
Which file format does AnimatedImage support?
Developers can import Aseprite (.ase) files directly into Roblox Studio with one click.