Hello Pool fans!
Welcome to the first of our Pure Pool Pro Dev Diaries.
Over the coming months, we’ll be jumping in here to share behind-the-scenes insights into the development of the game - starting today with a closer look at the announcement screenshots.
We'll also be using this diary to answer any of your burning questions along the way - so be sure to add them in the comments!
Read on for thoughts from our Ripstone art team on why these shots were chosen and what they reveal about the technology and artistry driving Pure Pool Pro.
🔎 Analysing the Announcement Screenshots
Screenshot 1: Cue Tip Impact
This close-up also became the game's key art! We feel it showcases the incredible level of detail we're pushing for in Pure Pool Pro. When a cue strikes, you’ll notice minute chalk dust particles dispersing - a result of our Magma Engine's real-time particle effects.
Looking closer, you'll notice our ball surfaces aren't just glossy and super reflective. They're textured with micro-imperfections, clear coat scratches, and subtle colour bleed - simulating the real-world wear, dirt, and lacquer imperfections seen on professional equipment. In the game, this will be rendered at native 8K fidelity.
Fun fact: for images, Steam's upload filesize limit is just 5MB! So we're hosting the 8K screenshots, here. We recommend pulling them up on your biggest and best display and zooming in on the details.
Screenshot 2: Break
This action shot highlights not just movement but also material accuracy. Each ball features real-world manufacturing effects, including clear coat lacquer, colour variation, and minute flaws.
Even the baize (table cloth) has been custom simulated with displaced cloth techniques, individual fluff strands, and nap distortion to enhance that hyper-realism!
Screenshot 3: Motion & Atmosphere
Here, speed and atmosphere collide. We know players have mix feelings about motion blur - but we us it dynamically to capture the pure force of each shot.
In the background, the Pure Pool Pro Arena recreates the feel of a real-world competitive venue - crowds, moving branding, LED boards, and camera rigs. In the full game, the branding and themes will even change depending on the event you’re playing, bringing variety and atmosphere to every match.
Screenshot 4: Surface Detail
On close inspection, you’ll see not just reflections but also fine imperfections — dirt, wear, scuffs, and clear coat flaws, all behaving accurately under dynamic lighting. Our physically-based rendering ensures every ball and surface reacts just like real materials.
Screenshot 5: The TetraDome - Our New Pantheon of Pool!
We couldn't reveal the game without giving you a glimpse of your stage for the next generation of pool.
The TetraDome is a fully dynamic tournament arena, inspired by real-world pro events. A 1000-strong crowd, broadcast cameras and atmospheric lighting all combine to create the complete professional sports experience.
💭 Final Thoughts
We hope this gave you a deeper dive into the work going into Pure Pool Pro!
As always, we’re keen to hear your thoughts and questions - drop them below or join us on [Discord] where the team regularly chats with the community.
And if you haven’t already: