As a Roblox developer, it is currently too hard to:
Focus on development or testing workflows without being distracted by persistent chat indicators or pop-ups. Currently, the Roblox chat system is always visible when someone sends a message or a notification appears (e.g., in-game pop-ups, friend invite features). This makes it difficult to maintain focus on work without being tempted to break routine or check messages.
If this issue is addressed, it would improve my development experience because:
It would allow developers to create a distraction-free environment during critical work or testing periods. The ability to hide the chat feature or disable notifications temporarily would enable better focus, enhance productivity, and make Roblox a more versatile platform for developers who also use it socially.
My typical workflow involves grinding for 3–5 hours on updates or creating new games (currently a project in progress). During this time, I aim to stay focused with small, scheduled breaks. After completing a work session, I usually check messages on platforms like Discord or Roblox.
Use Case 1:
However, Roblox chat always pops up or shows indicators in the bottom-right corner of the screen. This constant reminder to check messages sometimes disrupts my focus and breaks my routine, especially when testing games, looking at analytics or tweaking settings on the platform.
Image Note: This often appears “open” when someone has messaged me (probably due to Cookies), or there is always a “new message indicator”
Use Case 2:
When having studio playsessions, chat pop-ups and notifications can interfere while being in a “flow”. For some reason, those are not disabled during studio playtests e.g. “game invites / friend messages”. Developers should have the option to disable or hide chat notifications while in studio to avoid unnecessary distractions.
Image Note: Roblox has added a feature that spams you in-game with every single friend message, resulting in multiple pop-ups (e.g., 5-20 pop-ups). This is highly distracting while working.
Additional Feedback:
Roblox has been evolving into an excellent social platform, but there could be more considerations for making it a distraction-free tool for developers. For example:
- Introduce an option to hide the chat feature or notifications entirely.
(Personal Favorite) Allow developers to toggle “Focus Mode” that temporarily disables all social indicators and pop-ups. - Adopt a system similar to Discord, where chat is only visible when intentionally opened, supporting dedicated work sessions.
Providing these options would balance the social and professional aspects of Roblox, making it more conducive for focused development while maintaining its social capabilities for planned interactions.