Hello again, Pool fans! 👋

We’re back with another peek behind the curtain at the development of Pure Pool Pro. This time, we’re introducing a brand-new venue that we’ve been super eager to show you. We’re also answering a bunch of the excellent ‘Ask the Devs’ questions you've sent in!

Quick update before we dive in: We’re making great progress on rendering and UI - this is the stage where our visuals start to come to life.

This work lays the foundation for a stable, in-engine gameplay reveal trailer, which we’re excited to share with you very soon.

Thanks for your continued patience. Now, onto the reveal!

When designing Pure Pool Pro, we knew we wanted to balance the high-stakes tension of our futuristic Tetradome arena with something a little more…inviting.

Enter the Rackhaus - a stylish, cosy pool hall nestled at the top of a luxury skyscraper, designed for more intimate matches, invitation-only career mode events, and relaxing sessions with friends.

This space was created as a spiritual successor to the Jazz Club from the original Pure Pool, a fan favourite for its ambient vibe and chill soundtrack.

The Rackhaus takes that concept to the next level, with rich visual detail, warm lighting, and moody panoramic views of a rainy night’s sky.

Fans will be glad to know there will also be a bespoke easy-listening music playlist for this venue to truly enhance those vibes. You’ll find yourself racking up frames under warm lighting, in a setting that feels as good for high-concentration tour matches as it does for unwinding after a long day.

We hope you enjoy this first glimpse at the Rackhaus atmosphere!

You’ve been sending in your questions across our social channels, and we’ve picked a batch to answer right here in our very first “Ask the Devs” section. Let’s dive in:

Q1. “Is the resolution you’re targeting going to be native or dynamic? Is path tracing achievable?” – Bucci35, Twitter

We’re targeting native resolution wherever possible - including support for native 8K on high-end PCs and PS5 Pro. We’re not using path tracing currently, but we are utilising advanced lighting and physically accurate reflections to get as close to that level of realism as possible. We are investigating the viability of adding path tracing at a later date, but it won't be available at launch.

Q2. “When will there be more news or gameplay footage?” – Muzie, Discord

You’re in luck - our full Gameplay Reveal Trailer isn't too far away. This will showcase what the game looks and feels like in motion, with all footage captured in-engine at native 8K. Look out for more news in the coming weeks!

Q3. “Any chance you’ll add more game types like 10-ball, straight pool or banks?” – Holo-Flash, Reddit

At launch, we’re focusing on 8-ball, 9-ball, Blackball, Killer and challenge modes like Speed Pot and Royal Rumble. But we're absolutely listening to requests like this. Snooker is coming as a post-launch DLC, and we are looking at additional modes. We never say never - if there’s enough appetite for them, we’ll consider it!

Q4. “Will the game feature controller support on PC? That would be amazing!” – its_kevin11, Reddit

Absolutely. Controllers are supported in Pure Pool Pro on PC, with smooth, precise input for every shot. 

Q5. “How will the actual shot-taking system work?” – sakurajima1981, Reddit

A lot of our feedback encouraged us to keep the core elements of the aiming and shot-taking system from the original Pure Pool. You’ll once again be given the ability to add spin, control shot strength, and tweak things precisely to allow you to execute almost any kind of complex shot you can dream up (once you master it, that is!). The gameplay reveal will show how it works in action!

Q6. “Will I be able to move the camera around while the CPU takes its shot? Or after I shoot?” – Elvira4Ever, Reddit

Hi Elvira4Ever - at launch, you’ll only be able to circle the table before taking your shots to help you set up your next play or soak in the detail of the venue. This is an interesting idea, though! 

Q7. “When is the release date?” – @CSGNetwork, Twitter

While we’re not ready to reveal anything other than ‘2025’ at this stage, there will be an exciting opportunity to get your hands on it ahead of launch…more on that in the coming weeks!

Q8. “Compared to Pure Pool, what will this new Pro version contain that wasn’t in the original?” – Nick Mahlitz, Facebook

Pure Pool Pro is a true sequel, not a remaster or repackage. While the core gameplay you loved from the first game remains intact, everything else has been either rebuilt or refined. Expect brand-new visuals with native 8K support, smarter AI opponents, a polished Career Mode, stunning new environments, and a fresh Daily Clearance challenge. Online play has also been overhauled with seamless cross-play, the UI has been completely modernised, and an enhanced Accolades & Crests system now lets you showcase your skills directly on your Player Card! 

Q9. “Will there be cross-platform gaming?” – Andrew Marmon, Facebook

Yes! Pure Pool Pro features improved netcode and full cross-platform multiplayer between Steam, Epic, PS5, and Xbox Series. We’re building a much more robust backend for smoother play.

Last Week to Enter our Gleam Competition!

Enter via the link below for a chance to win either an RTX 5070 or a PS5 Pro. Hurry! Competition ends 20.06.25 - with our winners being announced the following Monday.
Enter the Pure Pool Pro Competition![loom.ly]

If we didn’t catch your question this time round, don’t worry! We’ll be answering more questions in the next diary - so if there’s something you’re desperate to know, let us know again via our Socials!

Thanks again for all your support, and don’t forget to wishlist Pure Pool Pro if you haven’t already. It helps more than you can imagine. 🙏

– The Ripstone Team 🎱