Meet the Irish Developers Changing the Game
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Loading... - Conor Murphy
- 04 Feb 2025
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Roblox is a massively popular multiplayer online platform that allows users to create games and play together, boasting an estimated 80 to 100 million daily players. The platform offers a vast library of experiences, catering to a wide range of interests—from adventure and strategy games to simulators and time trials. This diversity, combined with the opportunity for users to create their own games, has fostered a thriving community of developers, many of whom have honed their skills on this accessible platform.
The Irish Game-Changers on Roblox
Irish developers are making significant strides in the Roblox community, creating unique games that have garnered critical acclaim and hundreds of millions of player visits. One standout figure in this movement is Dáire Bohan, the founder and CEO of Bura Games. As a top developer on Roblox, he is responsible for some of the platform's best-performing releases, including Pet Heroes, Wizard Simulator, and Anime Fighters.
"My journey towards being a game developer on Roblox actually started way before Roblox became popular as a gaming platform," Dáire reflects. His passion for gaming ignited at a young age when he received his first console, a Nintendo DS, followed by a Wii. The immersive worlds of gaming captivated him, and he was drawn to the learning elements and sense of achievement that came with overcoming challenges in games.
Dáire's early exposure to programming began at the age of eight when his father introduced him to Scratch, a child-friendly programming language developed by MIT. This experience allowed him to merge his love for math and problem-solving with gaming. He started playing Roblox around the age of 10 or 11, initially as a player before transitioning to building games on the platform.
"I found the Roblox developers platform to be the most accessible," he says, recalling how he began creating simple games using pre-made assets at the age of 12. His breakthrough came in 2019 with the release of Wizard Simulator, which solidified his status as a top developer.
The Impact of COVID-19
Dáire's most successful release, Anime Fighters, launched in 2021 during the pandemic. "COVID was obviously a terrible time," he acknowledges, "but during that time, video games were an amazing avenue for people to connect when they weren't able to do so in person." The surge in the gaming industry during this period provided a unique opportunity for Bura Games to thrive.
"We were trying to build these games that allowed people to have those same experiences that I had growing up—build safe spaces, in some cases, spaces where you can socialize with people who wouldn't otherwise be able to," he explains.
A Day in the Life of a Roblox Developer
Dáire describes his daily routine as a Roblox developer as varied and dynamic. Having recently graduated with a degree in pure mathematics, he has been balancing his studies with game development. "It really varies—a lot!" he says, noting that his early days were more casual, but the demands have increased significantly as his games gained popularity.
"Juggling the games company with my maths degree has really been hard at times," he admits, especially during game releases or exam periods. "There can be very intense weeks, with some 60 or 70-hour work weeks." However, he also appreciates the flexibility that comes during quieter periods.
With the success of Bura Games, Dáire now spends more time managing his team and exploring collaborations with other studios and brands, but he remains hands-on with development, which he loves.
Advice for Aspiring Roblox Developers
For those looking to break into game development on Roblox, Dáire offers valuable advice: "Be creative and stick to your guns. If you are really passionate about an idea and you think it's going to be really fun, then just go and build it." He emphasizes the importance of creating for enjoyment rather than chasing trends.
"It's a lot more possible and accessible than people realize, but it also takes a long time," he cautions. "I was building games for years on Roblox before I had any success." He encourages aspiring developers to embrace the journey, acknowledging that everyone's first game is likely to be less than perfect.
Looking Ahead
As for the future, Dáire is excited about an upcoming title from Bura Games called Power Up, which will allow players to collect powerful weapons and armor to battle monsters with friends. He describes it as a departure from previous releases and is eager to share it with gamers.
With Bura Games' impressive track record, millions of players can expect to enjoy Power Up and the innovative creations that the team will continue to develop in the future. The Irish developers on Roblox are not just changing the game; they are shaping the future of digital entertainment.
