Pure Pool Pro News

[p]Hello again, cue sports fans! 👋

Just in case you've missed it - this week has marked a major milestone for Pure Pool Pro - we’ve just dropped our first official gameplay trailer, giving you your first real look at the game in motion.
[/p][p]Captured entirely in-engine on a pre-alpha PC build, this trailer represents the first glimpse of what we’ve been working on since announcing the game back in April. You can watch the full trailer below – and yes, it really was captured at native 8K resolution.
[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]What You’re Seeing[/h2][p]Save for the intro and outro logos, this trailer was captured entirely in-engine on an early PC build. This is all pre-optimisation and running at native 8K 30FPS. We’re still working hard to hit our targets of 8K 60FPS and 4K 120FPS by launch.[/p][p]The entire sequence is set in Rackhaus, Pure Pool Pro's venue inspired by the intimate jazz bar in the original game and designed to highlight the lighting, reflections, and surface fidelity of our proprietary Magma Engine.

[/p][p]Eagle-eyed viewers may have also noticed - that’s not just any old 2D tablecloth texture…that’s baize with realistic fuzz and pilling.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Creator Reactions Rolling In![/h2][p]We're excited to see creators, players, and press starting to react - and Snooker YouTuber CaptainGoodspeed has already done a fantastic breakdown of the trailer.
[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]His coverage dives deeper into what we’ve shown so far, and shares his thoughts on the future of Pure Pool Pro.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h2]New Giveaway Launched![/h2][p]To further celebrate the trailer’s release, we’ve also kicked off a brand-new Gleam giveaway. You could win a:[/p][p]🎮 DualSense Edge Controller (PS5) or an
🎮 Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
...along with a free copy of Pure Pool Pro at launch![/p][p] Pssst! There are also 5x Copies of Pure Pool Pro up for grabs for runners-up!
[/p][p]Enter the Giveaway Now[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Ask the Devs #3 – Coming Next Week![/h2][p]We’re gathering up more of your burning questions about Pure Pool Pro – and we’ll be answering them in the next instalment of Ask the Devs, arriving next week.[/p][p]If you haven’t already, post your questions in our Steam Community thread or on our Discord![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Thank You for Supporting Pure Pool Pro[/h2][p]Your support continues to blow us away. We’re thrilled by the reaction to the trailer so far – and we’re only just getting started.[/p][p]Keep wishlisting, sharing, and spreading the word. We can’t wait to show you more over the coming weeks and months.[/p][p]Wishlist on Steam
[/p][p]See you at the table.
– The Ripstone Team 🎱[/p]

[h2]❓ Ask the Devs – Community Q&A[/h2][p]We’re back with another Ask the Devs! You’ve been sending in your questions across our social channels for the past few weeks, and we’ve picked out a bunch to answer right here...
[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q1. “Will Pure Pool Pro have controller support? Too many new Pool and Snooker games want me to use a mouse.”
– IBiLLyI72I?, Twitter[/p][p]Pure Pool Pro will be fully optimised for both gamepad and mouse and keyboard play. We’re focused on making it feel intuitive, no matter what your preferences are. Within the studio itself, there’s a fairly even split of gamepad players and mouse and keyboard players. We’ll also be making sure that the upcoming Closed Beta is played by users of both control schemes. [/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q2. “So...we’re not getting a Beta on PS5 Pro?”
– Bucci35, Twitter[/p][p]Hey Bucci35...and to other console Pool Fans! The Closed Beta will be Steam only - We know this will be disappointing! [/p][p]We wanted to share a little bit more about our thinking behind this. As a small studio, running a multi-platform beta would massively stretch our resources to the point that it would likely delay the launch. We’ve chosen Steam as we identified it as the platform that would have the least impact on our current development timelines. This way, we can get the full game into your hands as soon as possible. Thanks for your understanding![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q3. “When playing with a controller, are shots still taken by using the thumbstick, like in the original Pure Pool?”
– Rhys, Facebook[/p][p]Hey Rhys! Yes, Pure Pool Pro will use a similar control scheme to the original, giving you the ability to tweak spin, finely adjust your aim before pulling back the thumb stick to precisely add power to your shot. Hope this helps![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q4. “Any idea when the game will be released? Can’t wait!”
– Ieuan, Facebook[/p][p]Hey Ieuan! We’re working hard to bring Pure Pool Pro to you as soon as it's ready. While we’re not locking in a specific release date yet, it will be arriving later in 2025.[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q5. “Are Y'ALL adding any mechanics that weren't in the first game by chance?”
– HOLO-FLASH, Reddit[/p][p]Great question! At its core, Pure Pool Pro keeps the mechanics you loved from the original intact - precise aiming, spin control, and shot power all return, refined but familiar. That said, we’ve introduced a few new touches to enhance immersion and player expression.[/p][p]One of the subtle but satisfying additions we’re making is the ability to choose your chalk colour. It’s a small detail, but it adds to the visual customisation of your cue, and we hope it makes your shots feel more personal.[/p][p]It’s a tricky one - we’re keeping the experience ‘Pure’ and grounded in realism, so while it’s not packed with over-the-top new mechanics or shot power-ups, every improvement is aimed at making the game more authentic, responsive, and stylish.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q6. “When will we see a gameplay trailer?”
– @TiestoMagic6279, YouTube[/p][p]Soon![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]Keep the Questions Coming![/h3][p]If we missed your question - drop it below and we'll catch it next time around!
[/p][p]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[/p]

[p]🎱 Hello again, Pool fans! 👋
[/p][p]We’re back with another Dev Diary - and this time we’re formally inviting you to be part of the future of Pure Pool Pro.
[/p][p]ICYMI: last week we announced a Closed Beta, coming to Steam later this year. This Beta will give a limited number of players their first hands-on look at the game, and we’re counting on your feedback to help us shape the final release.

👉 Sign Up Here 👈
[/p][p]In this diary, we wanted to give you a full rundown of what to expect from the Beta build, what’s included, and how to get involved.

Let’s dive in![/p][p][/p][h2]What is the Pure Pool Pro Closed Beta?[/h2][p]The Closed Beta is a limited test aimed at giving players a taste of Pure Pool Pro while also helping us gather early feedback on gameplay, visuals, and systems.
[/p][p]We’re keeping things focused. This isn’t a full demo or preview of everything the final game has to offer. However, it should give you a real sense of where we’re headed

We’re eager to get as many of you involved, but spaces will be limited! At this stage, we need to test on all manner of system specs - so even if you're running a rig at the lowest end of our estimated system requirements, be sure to sign up. 
[/p][p]Simply put, if you’re interested in trying Pure Pool Pro early, now’s the time to raise your hand. [/p][p][/p][h2]What We’re Planning to Include in the Beta[/h2][p]Here’s a breakdown of what we plan to make available in the Beta build when it goes live later this year:[/p][h3]Game Rules/Modes[/h3]

• [p]8-Ball rules only[/p]
• [p]Free Table Mode for casual solo play and practice[/p]

[h3]Venues[/h3][p]The Tetradome, our futuristic 1,000-seat competitive arena, will be the only playable environment in the Beta.

The recently revealed Rackhaus venue, however, is being held back. We want to keep some surprises for the full launch! [/p][h3]Career Preview[/h3][p]Beta Players will be able to access Tour 1: Barroom Breakers – an early slice of our new Career Mode. This will feature a handful of meaningful events with some progression.

[/p][h3]Visual Fidelity[/h3][p]The beta build will give you a clear glimpse of the game’s graphical goals - but it’s important to note that this will be a work in progress. Beta players should expect to see some glitches and visual hiccups, and be sure to report them to us when they do!


Things such as native 8K, high-end lighting, and refined reflections should be present by Beta, but they will not be entirely optimised at this stage. If your setup is highly capable, don’t be alarmed if it struggles to run things at buttery smooth framerates (again - report performance hiccups when you can). [/p][h3]Customisation[/h3][p]Naturally, we’ll be locking off most of our unlockable cues, balls, and baizes - but you will be able to preview them in our Equipment menu!
[/p][h3]Calls to Action[/h3][p]Wishlisting and feedback reminders will be integrated into the Beta experience.[/p][h3]
Controls [/h3][p]Both Gamepad and Mouse & Keyboard support will be available.
[/p][h2]What’s Not Included?[/h2][p]To ensure clarity, here’s what won’t be part of the Closed Beta build:[/p][p]❌ No Online Multiplayer
❌ No additional game types (e.g. 9-Ball, Blackball, Killer)
❌ No access to the Rackhaus venue
❌ Limited career mode and customisation
[/p][h2]How to Sign Up[/h2][p]Interested in joining the Closed Beta this September?[/p][p]👉 Sign Up Here 👈
[/p][p]Spaces will be limited, so get signed up now! We’ll be reviewing every submission and reaching out to selected players closer to the Beta period.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Help Us Spread the Word
[/h2][p]We’re incredibly proud of how Pure Pool Pro is shaping up, and we can’t wait to share more with you soon - including our upcoming gameplay trailer (watch this space 👀).

Just last week, you helped us surpass 5,000 wishlists - our first significant milestone on the road to launch. Now we're calling on you for more support!


If you haven't already, please consider wishlisting the game, and please feel free to share the Beta sign-up with friends, fellow creators, and anyone who loves the sound of a modern cue sports sim.
[/p][p]Thanks again for all your support - and we’ll see you at the table very soon.[/p][p]– The Ripstone Team 🎱[/p]

[p]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.
[/p][p]Thanks for your continued patience. Now, onto the reveal! [/p][h2]Introducing the Rackhaus[/h2][p]
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.

[/p][p]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.
[/p][p]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.

[/p][p]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.

[/p][p]We hope you enjoy this first glimpse at the Rackhaus atmosphere![/p][p] [/p][h2]Ask the Devs – Community Q&A[/h2][p]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:
[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q1. “Is the resolution you’re targeting going to be native or dynamic? Is path tracing achievable?”
– Bucci35, Twitter[/p][p]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.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q2. “When will there be more news or gameplay footage?”
– Muzie, Discord[/p][p]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![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q3. “Any chance you’ll add more game types like 10-ball, straight pool or banks?”
– Holo-Flash, Reddit[/p][p]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![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q4. “Will the game feature controller support on PC? That would be amazing!”
– its_kevin11, Reddit[/p][p]Absolutely. Controllers are supported in Pure Pool Pro on PC, with smooth, precise input for every shot. [/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q5. “How will the actual shot-taking system work?”
– sakurajima1981, Reddit[/p][p]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![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q6. “Will I be able to move the camera around while the CPU takes its shot? Or after I shoot?”
– Elvira4Ever, Reddit[/p][p]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! [/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q7. “When is the release date?”
– @CSGNetwork, Twitter[/p][p]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![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q8. “Compared to Pure Pool, what will this new Pro version contain that wasn’t in the original?”
– Nick Mahlitz, Facebook[/p][p]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! [/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Q9. “Will there be cross-platform gaming?”
– Andrew Marmon, Facebook[/p][p]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.[/p][h3]

Last Week to Enter our Gleam Competition!

[/h3][p]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!
[/p][h3]Keep the Questions Coming![/h3][p]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![/p][p]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 🎱[/p]

👋 Hello again, Pool fans!

Welcome to Pure Pool Pro’s second Dev Diary. This week, we’re lifting the lid on some of the key features that set Pure Pool Pro apart; including its new modes, some of its technical improvements, and a first look at our all-new UI.

Before we dive in, a huge thank you for your patience and enthusiasm as we head toward our first gameplay reveal.

Production is currently focused on rendering and UI, with our team working hard to optimise both visuals and gameplay ahead of the full reveal in the coming months!

As always, we’re keen to hear your thoughts, so drop us your questions in the comments and we’ll answer them in future diaries.

[h2]What's New in Pure Pool Pro?[/h2]
A lot of you have been eager for more details on what makes this a true and worthy sequel to Pure Pool.



While Pure Pool Pro builds on the solid foundations of the first game, it’s much more than just a visual upgrade. Here’s a high-level overview of some of the things coming your way:

[h3]Overhauled Opponent AI[/h3]
We’ve reworked AI opponents from the ground up to feel more human and challenging at every level using adaptive logic to simulate realistic shot selection and pressure play. A lot of your feedback on the first Pure Pool expressed that some opponents could feel like infallible pool-playing robots! This time round we want you to expect varied personalities, risky plays, and intense high-stakes matches. Expect the odd mistake, too; even Pure Pool Pros fluff their lines sometimes.

[h3]All-New UI & Presentation[/h3]
Another key point of criticism from the first game was that its UI wasn’t up to the same visual standard of the gameplay.

For the sequel, we’re making navigating menus, career, online lobbies and customisation, stylish, and much more modern.

Our goal? To give Pool a slicker user experience, putting it on par with other industry-leading sports games.

👇 Here’s an exclusive pre-alpha look at our redesigned Career UI:



The 'Hustler's Hangout' event features early on in our 8-Ball career. In it, you'll face off against a handful of Amateur opponents and test your skills in Challenge modes such as Perfect Potter, Speed Pot, and Checkpoint.



[h3]Deeper Career Mode[/h3]
A big focus for us! This time round, Pure Pool Pro features a full single-player Career with over 25 AI opponents spanning multiple pool disciplines:

• 8-Ball
  
• 9-Ball
  
• Blackball
  

Each career has its own progression path and structure, with branching difficulty tiers, unique opponents and varied challenges.

[h3]Seamless Cross-Platform Online Play[/h3]
In Pure Pool Pro, you’ll be able to play against friends across all supported platforms including Steam, Epic, PlayStation 5 (incl. PS5 Pro), and Xbox Series X|S - with streamlined ‘friend code’ matchmaking.

Pure Pool Pro ‘DNA’ profiles will also be returning from the first game. For those unaware, a DNA profile will be built as you play creating an accurate AI interpretation of yourself, your friends and your foes’ playstyles - which you can still play against, even when they’re not online.

[h3]Two New Venues[/h3]
The game will feature two dynamic playing environments at launch, both of which will subtly change things like advertising boards, and lighting depending on the event.

The TetraDome Arena
This is the 1,000 seat venue seen in the first screenshots we've released. This is a big departure from the cozy jazz club found in the original Pure Pool - but we think players will really enjoy the heightened atmosphere for competitive play.



‘The Penthouse’
A more intimate, stylish space for those craving classic Pure Pool vibes. We haven't revealed this one just yet; or even named it! We're calling it the 'Penthouse’ in production. It's a modern, cozy, open plan apartment at the top of a skyscraper. In vibe, this one has been designed to feel a lot more like the Pure Pool jazz club. We had a lot of feedback from players saying they enjoyed that venue's relaxing vibe - so we've made sure to include something similar!

[h2]Let Us Know What You Think![/h2]
We’ll be diving deeper into specific features - including online play, personalisation, and our work on physics - in the diaries.

In the meantime, if you’ve got a burning question or feedback on what you’ve seen so far, hit the comments below or join us over in the Discord.

[h2]Oh, and don’t forget to wishlist Pure Pool Pro![/h2]

It helps us massively - and ensures you won’t miss a beat as we get closer to launch.


Thanks again for all your support so far!
– The Ripstone Team 🎱