Before we dive into what's new in this update, please be aware that we will likely be unable to update for a few weeks. We are doing some administrative stuff that means we can't submit builds until it's finished, so please expect an interruption in our weekly updates!

OK! Here's what's new:

* The Rec Room Facilities crew finally got around to fixing the Pool Table. *The Pool Table in ^bowling is now fully operational*. To play - grab a pool cue, slap one of the buttons to spawn the balls, and get to playing!

[https://i.imgur.com/5ln28tZ.gif](https://i.imgur.com/5ln28tZ.gif)

Here's how to play:

* VR Controls - grab a cue and release the trigger (it will stay locked to your hand). Now grab and hold the aiming grip with your other hand. When you're aimed and ready to shoot, hold both triggers and power through!

* Screen Controls - grab a cue and look for the "Play Shot" option at the center of the table Use your look controls to aim (get low to the table for more backspin). When you're aimed and ready to shoot, hold the Shoot button and bring the cue back to adjust your power. Release the button to complete the shot, stunning your opponent with your skill and guile!

* As a bonus, the Pool Table and Pool Cues are also available in the Maker Pen palette, so you can add a Pool Table (or three) to your #hangout space =]

* The Pool Table can be Recolored with the Maker Pen, so if you want a hot pink pool table, no-one can stop you!

[https://i.imgur.com/JVlhzgx.gif](https://i.imgur.com/JVlhzgx.gif)

* It's also kind of fun to drop pool tables off a cliff (this is a considerably more expensive hobby IRL):

[https://i.imgur.com/XBVYboa.gif](https://i.imgur.com/XBVYboa.gif)

VR players! We've *updated the controls on all VR platforms* to address a bunch of feedback we've been accumulating over time (e.g., via the Recent [Reddit thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/RecRoom/comments/eocznp/vr_players_we_are_focusing_on_polishing_vr/)). Here's what's changed:

* Tweaked button mappings on all platforms. It should now be easier to Slide, Sprint, and Push-to-Talk on all platforms.

* We updated the diagrams in Watch > Help so you can check what got updated.

* By popular request, we've added an "Auto-Sprint" option in Watch > Settings > Gameplay. With Auto-Sprint enabled, you'll sprint in any room that supports it without needing to push the "Sprint" button (when using thumbstick walk) or double tap the "Walk" button (otherwise).

* PSVR walkers can now strafe using the X and O buttons on the walking hand.

* We fixed the Oculus/Index bug where you couldn't use the Walk button when thumbstick walk was enabled.

* We added a "Motion Turn" comfort setting. This allows you to disable the animation when swipe turning, which some players have requested as a comfort option. Find it in Watch > Settings > Gameplay.

* We've upgraded our SteamVR plugin. This means we now support Steam's controller binding system, so you can customize your controls on Steam if you wish. We have created a default for each controller, and some variants for the Index (in case you prefer the previous mappings)

* Index players can now grab/release objects using the open/close hand gesture. This is now the default, if you prefer the old method, please use the variant Index mapping.

* Index and Oculus players have a (somewhat experimental) new setting in Watch > Settings > Gameplay called "Don't lock tools in hand". Default is unchecked (so locking tools - e.g., paintball gun - will still lock by default). When you opt in to this setting, tools will no longer lock to your hand - you'll have to continuously "grip" them using the Hand Triggers or close hand gesture. An exception is any time you're _spawned_ with a locked tool (e.g., the Charades Pen in ^3DCharades) - in that case the tool will still lock until you've closed and re-opened your hand. The other thing to know is that when this setting is enabled, you can't do one-handed translation when Self-Scaling. If this bothers you, let us know and we'll iterate on it.

* Getting into the weeds here, but we made it so that you must use the main trigger (not the grip or "Hand" trigger) to nock and release arrows with the bow (e.g., in ^GoldenTrophy).

New stuff for creators!

* There's a new *Text Gadget* in the Maker Pen Palette.

[https://i.imgur.com/sVUOqbj.gif](https://i.imgur.com/sVUOqbj.gif)

* Text created using the Text Gadget is very low on ink cost

* There are fun formatting options to play with: Thickness, character and line spacing, alignment

* You can use the Recolor tool to change color AND material on text

* You can drive the Text Gadget via circuits to update the display based on game events, etc.

* In non-Text news, we added a "Champions" filter to all leaderboards so you can see how you stack up against the best in the world in your favorite rooms

But wait, there's more!

* Added a merch booth to the ^GoldenTrophy lobby. Here's an overly dramatic GIF:

[https://i.imgur.com/J6oUnZS.gif](https://i.imgur.com/J6oUnZS.gif)

* Added a merch booth to the ^CrimsonCauldron lobby

[https://i.imgur.com/cnRpSCt.gif](https://i.imgur.com/cnRpSCt.gif)

* We decided it was time that the Homestead paintball map had its own music, so we brought in a local bluegrass band to give us some Homestead flavor (the new track is also available in the Radio).

And a bunch of bug fixes:

* Fixed missing trees in Disc Golf maps

* Fixed a bug that could cause PS4 players to hear an unpleasant noise in ^IsleOfLostSkulls (sorry about that :-/)

* Tweaked the way screens players pick up throwable boards in ^IsleOfLostSkulls

* Fixed a bug where breakable weapons could look weird before you picked them up.

* Fixed the giant sign in ^Soccer (oops)

* Fixed a bug where community board videos didn't have spatial audio. Now they do!

OK I think that's it for this update. Don't forget: We probably won't be able to update for at least a few weeks, but we'll be back as soon as possible with some very exciting stuff =]

Thanks for playing Rec Room!

Please see here for convenient links to controls, tutorials, comfort options, etc.: https://recroom.com/community

As always, we love to hear your feedback, so please don't hesitate to let us know what you think...