Roblox experience years in the making let's gamers explore virtual Vancouver

Roblox, one of the world’s most popular video games, feels a bit more like home for local gamers thanks to a creation by a Vancouver artist.

Khalil Lahsinia is the creator of East Vancouver, Canada, a Roblox experience that allows players to explore a stylized world inspired by East Van.

According to Lahsinia, the journey to building part of his hometown in the online game platform began back in 2021, when he decided to make a road that he was very familiar with.

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“I pondered for a while and asked myself, ‘What business can I add here that screams Kingsway?'” Lahsinia told Daily Hive Urbanized.

“I added a little pho restaurant called 5 Star Pho, added a couple of buildings, and something clicked. I knew that East Vancouver was what I wanted to make.”

Lahsinia, who describes himself as a “very creative person” who gravitated to art when he was young, began expanding the map using assets from  Grand Theft Auto IV, as well as crafting his experience using individual rectangles, cylinders, and wedges.

He made local streets heavily inspired by real streets in the neighbourhood. Kingsway became Queensway, and King Edward Avenue turned into Queen Victoria Avenue.

“I added businesses and buildings that I feel accurately represent East Vancouver,” explained Lahsinia. “Pho and Banh Mi places, Portuguese bakeries, bubble tea shops, Polish delis, hot pot places, and many more things.

“I also decided to include a section based on the Downtown Eastside in my map, as it wouldn’t really be East Vancouver without the DTES. I added some Hotels with neon signs that are inspired by the real SROs in the DTES. This area is still in very early development.”

There are three areas in East Vancouver, Canada, for Roblox gamers to discover, including Kensington, the largest neighbourhood, which is based on Kensington Cedar Cottage, Crowtown, which represents the DTES, and Pinelands, which is based on Grandview-woodlands.

Eagle-eyed players can also find a small Commercial Drive-inspired street.

Roblox is one of the world’s most popular video games, with millions of players logging on every day.

The platform is also known for hosting user-made games or “experiences” for others to enjoy.

Those interested in cruising around the game can find it on Lahsinia’s Roblox profile. He added that the project is about 85 per cent finished, with his most recent update coming in late January.

Over 45,000 players have visited East Vancouver, Canada, to date, and Lahsinia welcomes everyone to explore his virtual city.

“People always ask me why I chose to make East Vancouver and not something like Downtown or Kitsilano or something,” the artist said. “I think an East Van game would be relatable to more people. East Vancouver, specifically Kensington-Cedar Cottage, is a vibrant multiethnic neighbourhood.

“I also hope this inspires people to chase their dreams and follow their passions.  Some people downplay it when they hear Roblox, and then they see the pictures and their opinion changes. The project is turning out much better than I ever thought it would be.”

The Roblox experience isn’t the only video game that is transporting gamers into familiar settings.

Award-winning video game series American Truck Simulator is heading north of the border for the first time in its history, and it’s revving up to visit the West Coast.

The B.C. expansion invites gamers to explore Vancouver, drive onto a ferry to visit Victoria, drive up the Sea to Sky Highway to check out Whistler, and more.