We're back from break and just pushed our first update of the new year. This is a small one, just getting back into the swing of things. It includes:

• Special "Class of 2016" item for members who joined before midnight Dec 31st 2016
  
• Longer detentions for vote-kicked players (especially players who've racked up lots of vote kicks)

Happy new year, and we look forward to having fun with y'all!

We're back from break and just pushed our first update of the new year. This is a small one, just getting back into the swing of things. It includes:

• Special "Class of 2016" item for members who joined before midnight Dec 31st 2016
  
• Longer detentions for vote-kicked players (especially players who've racked up lots of vote kicks)

Happy new year, and we look forward to having fun with y'all!

Here's what's new...

• Rec Room members can now create Invite-Only games.
  
• As the name suggests, Invite-Only games allow you to play only with your invited friends. So if you want to play in a controlled environment, this is how to do it!
  
• To create an Invite-Only game, go to your watch and select the "Create" button at the bottom of the "Play" menu:

• Once you're in your Invite-Only room, use your friends list to invite others!

• There's a new space to enjoy in Rec Room! Welcome to The Lounge:

• The lounge is an invite-only event room and hangout space suitable for all kinds of VR gatherings...
  
• E.g., something we've been enjoying is Rec Room poker night:

• The Lounge is Invite-Only, so you must be a member to create and invite your friends.
  
• We think of this as "version 1.0" of the lounge. We want to hear your thoughts, recommendations and requests for how we can make it better! Don't forget to send us your feedback...

• Enjoy a freeform game of 3D Charades with friends in The Lounge!
  
• No rules, no timers, just a selection of random cards, and the 3D Pen to play with...
  
• Let us know what you think! We know some people preferred the more freeform version of 3D Charades before we added the podiums, etc.

• The flag carrier now has a longer teleport cooldown, to make CTF games a little more competitive.
  
• We did this in response to your feedback. Let us know what you think... Like it? Hate it? Should flag carrier move even slower?

• We've added a fun new tool to Rec Room. The whiteboard:

Why would you want a whiteboard?

• Draw a picture!
  
• Keep score in a game you play with friends in The Lounge
  
• Have a VR meeting!
  
• Just as with The Lounge, we think of this as a version 1.0. Please tell us what you think, and how we could make whiteboards more useful for you.
  
• For now, whiteboards are only available in The Lounge, and there's one in your Dorm Room.

We've made some more updates to Ghost Mode (some context here). Here's what's new:

• Ghost Mode now happens quicker - press and hold the Menu button for one second (was two). Or select it immediately via the watch menu.
  
• Ghost Mode now works in selected games (3D Charades, Disc Golf, Paddleball). Previously, Ghost Mode was disabled when a game was in progress. Ultimately we'll make it available in all situations, but that's going to take us a bit longer.
  
• Ghost Mode long press now works even if you have something in your hand. Previously you had to drop the item first.

Show your (dis)approval with the new thumbs up and down gestures!

We've added some features to the Rec Room Profile Page (accessible via any web-browser):

• You can access your profile here!
  
• Login with your Rec Room member name (or email) and password
  
• You can now change your Display Name at any time!
  
• You can also change your password, or issue a password reset if you forgot.

Also from your profile page (accessible via any web-browser):

• Click on "Friends" to see your friends list
  
• Click on "Find new friends" to search for Rec Room members by name
  
• Send a friend request with a single click!
  
• You can now make friends with a guest (previously, both players had to be members). Just shake hands, and it should work =]

• Rack space is now handled better when you have a lot of avatar items in the dorm room
  
• Fixed bug where mystery item could appear in center of the room
  
• Fixed bug where some players would receive empty boxes (sorry about that)

PS Yes we realize how ugly the profile website is =] We'll fix it next year.

Thanks as always to everyone who plays and provides feedback! Keep it coming =]

Here's what's new...

• Rec Room members can now create Invite-Only games.
  
• As the name suggests, Invite-Only games allow you to play only with your invited friends. So if you want to play in a controlled environment, this is how to do it!
  
• To create an Invite-Only game, go to your watch and select the "Create" button at the bottom of the "Play" menu:

• Once you're in your Invite-Only room, use your friends list to invite others!

• There's a new space to enjoy in Rec Room! Welcome to The Lounge:

• The lounge is an invite-only event room and hangout space suitable for all kinds of VR gatherings...
  
• E.g., something we've been enjoying is Rec Room poker night:

• The Lounge is Invite-Only, so you must be a member to create and invite your friends.
  
• We think of this as "version 1.0" of the lounge. We want to hear your thoughts, recommendations and requests for how we can make it better! Don't forget to send us your feedback...

• Enjoy a freeform game of 3D Charades with friends in The Lounge!
  
• No rules, no timers, just a selection of random cards, and the 3D Pen to play with...
  
• Let us know what you think! We know some people preferred the more freeform version of 3D Charades before we added the podiums, etc.

• The flag carrier now has a longer teleport cooldown, to make CTF games a little more competitive.
  
• We did this in response to your feedback. Let us know what you think... Like it? Hate it? Should flag carrier move even slower?

• We've added a fun new tool to Rec Room. The whiteboard:

Why would you want a whiteboard?

• Draw a picture!
  
• Keep score in a game you play with friends in The Lounge
  
• Have a VR meeting!
  
• Just as with The Lounge, we think of this as a version 1.0. Please tell us what you think, and how we could make whiteboards more useful for you.
  
• For now, whiteboards are only available in The Lounge, and there's one in your Dorm Room.

We've made some more updates to Ghost Mode (some context here). Here's what's new:

• Ghost Mode now happens quicker - press and hold the Menu button for one second (was two). Or select it immediately via the watch menu.
  
• Ghost Mode now works in selected games (3D Charades, Disc Golf, Paddleball). Previously, Ghost Mode was disabled when a game was in progress. Ultimately we'll make it available in all situations, but that's going to take us a bit longer.
  
• Ghost Mode long press now works even if you have something in your hand. Previously you had to drop the item first.

Show your (dis)approval with the new thumbs up and down gestures!

We've added some features to the Rec Room Profile Page (accessible via any web-browser):

• You can access your profile here!
  
• Login with your Rec Room member name (or email) and password
  
• You can now change your Display Name at any time!
  
• You can also change your password, or issue a password reset if you forgot.

Also from your profile page (accessible via any web-browser):

• Click on "Friends" to see your friends list
  
• Click on "Find new friends" to search for Rec Room members by name
  
• Send a friend request with a single click!
  
• You can now make friends with a guest (previously, both players had to be members). Just shake hands, and it should work =]

• Rack space is now handled better when you have a lot of avatar items in the dorm room
  
• Fixed bug where mystery item could appear in center of the room
  
• Fixed bug where some players would receive empty boxes (sorry about that)

PS Yes we realize how ugly the profile website is =] We'll fix it next year.

Thanks as always to everyone who plays and provides feedback! Keep it coming =]

We've partied up with the good folks at Survios to create a fun event this weekend.

• If you're Rec Room member, when you boot up Rec Room you'll receive SIX packages containing Raw Data-themed avatar items.
  
• You can wear these items immediately, and yes you get to keep them!

NOTE: If you don't get the items, it's probably because you're not a member. Sign up (it's free) at one of the kiosks found in the Locker Room or Dorm Room.

What can you do with these items? Well other than look cool, there's also a prize drawing where you can win stuff:

• Grand Prize (1 winner): Asus GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card and Raw Data game key
  
• Runners-up (3 winners): Survios/Raw Data swag pack (Raw Data game key, custom Vive controller charging station, flash drive, t-shirt and notebook)
  
• Third Place (5 winners): Raw Data game key

There are two ways to enter the prize drawing:

1. Dress up as either Bishop or Saija, then take a screenshot of your avatar and Tweet it to @Survios. Please include #FreeKeyFriday in your tweet!
   
2. Dress up as either Bishop or Saija, then visit woobox dot com/vsjbnk (sorry for weird formatting, Steam doesn't like this link) and enter the drawing via email.

We've partied up with the good folks at Survios to create a fun event this weekend.

• If you're Rec Room member, when you boot up Rec Room you'll receive SIX packages containing Raw Data-themed avatar items.
  
• You can wear these items immediately, and yes you get to keep them!

NOTE: If you don't get the items, it's probably because you're not a member. Sign up (it's free) at one of the kiosks found in the Locker Room or Dorm Room.

What can you do with these items? Well other than look cool, there's also a prize drawing where you can win stuff:

• Grand Prize (1 winner): Asus GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card and Raw Data game key
  
• Runners-up (3 winners): Survios/Raw Data swag pack (Raw Data game key, custom Vive controller charging station, flash drive, t-shirt and notebook)
  
• Third Place (5 winners): Raw Data game key

There are two ways to enter the prize drawing:

1. Dress up as either Bishop or Saija, then take a screenshot of your avatar and Tweet it to @Survios. Please include #FreeKeyFriday in your tweet!
   
2. Dress up as either Bishop or Saija, then visit woobox dot com/vsjbnk (sorry for weird formatting, Steam doesn't like this link) and enter the drawing via email.

• Fixes for reported spawn camping issues in Quarry
  
• Fixed issue where Quarry matches wouldn't count against daily challenges

• Fixed a bad hazard zone where your disc could get stuck in an unreachable area

• We heard from many of you that the the "blinders" (darkening effect when you turn away from forward tha are intended to help orient you in 180 degree tracking setups), so we made it less intense and it starts "later" (at a larger angle).
  
• We now default to 360 tracking for all configurations. You can switch between 180/360 any time in watch menu settings. In 360 mode you'll never see the blinders.

NOTE: If you are using Oculus + Touch through SteamVR, we strongly recommend you run the Beta version of Steam VR. To do this, find SteamVR in your LIBRARY (it's under "Tools"), right click, Properties, BETAS. Select "beta - SteamVR Beta Update" from the dropdown.

• Fixes for reported spawn camping issues in Quarry
  
• Fixed issue where Quarry matches wouldn't count against daily challenges

• Fixed a bad hazard zone where your disc could get stuck in an unreachable area

• We heard from many of you that the the "blinders" (darkening effect when you turn away from forward tha are intended to help orient you in 180 degree tracking setups), so we made it less intense and it starts "later" (at a larger angle).
  
• We now default to 360 tracking for all configurations. You can switch between 180/360 any time in watch menu settings. In 360 mode you'll never see the blinders.

NOTE: If you are using Oculus + Touch through SteamVR, we strongly recommend you run the Beta version of Steam VR. To do this, find SteamVR in your LIBRARY (it's under "Tools"), right click, Properties, BETAS. Select "beta - SteamVR Beta Update" from the dropdown.

What's new?

• New paintball map! Welcome to the Quarry!
  
• New paintball gun! Sniper Rifle (complete with scope). Only in the new Quarry map.
  
• Changed how paintball maps are accessed - there is now just one paintball door in the Locker Room (quick play to any map). You can choose a specific map in your watch.
  
• Bug where it was possible to get a double score in CTF should be fixed. Sorry about that! Note that this also fixes double scoring in Paddleball.

• Avatar items now come in packages that you rip open. Packages appear when you first enter a room. If you teleport away, the package will rez out (and re-appear next time you enter, you won't lose the item).
  
• Avatar items can be worn immediately, or you can just touch them to send them to the Dorm Room ("item saved!")
  
• Fixed a bunch of bugs with XP, levels, and item drops. Getting closer to a sane system =]
  
• Added new items!

• 3D Charades - podium height can now be adjusted up and down (so you can play seated if you like)
  
• 3D Charades - fixed bug which was making cards less random than they should be! You should see a wider variety of cards now...
  
• Disc Golf - fixed some incorrect hazard zones
  
• Tweaks to matchmaking - you're now more likely to join other players

• Ghost Mode - very close players are even more translucent
  
• Ghost Mode - nearby objects are ghosted as well as players
  
• Ghost Mode - is now "mutual" (you look like a ghost to them)
  
• Vote to Kick - you'll now get a notification on your watch when someone initiates vote to kick, plus players can no longer immediately return to a room they were kicked from.

• There's now a membership kiosk in the Dorm Room
  
• Trashcan hoops have VFX/SFX
  
• Rec Room will now prompt you to update if you're running an old version
  
• Fixed bug where you could lose all voice chat until you switched rooms
  
• Fixed bug where looping sounds could get stuck on permanently
  
• Cleaned up the watch menu a bunch
  
• Cleaned up and improved invites and notifications. They are (hopefully) much more understandable now.
  
• Made it clearer when friends are online vs. offline

• Updated Oculus Touch controls to match Oculus defaults (hand trigger = grab, index trigger = use).
  
• Fixed an issue where Oculus could default to the wrong mic
  
• Interaction sounds are now muted when the Oculus System menu is visible

As always, thanks for playing and please let us know any feedback you have!

What's new?

• New paintball map! Welcome to the Quarry!
  
• New paintball gun! Sniper Rifle (complete with scope). Only in the new Quarry map.
  
• Changed how paintball maps are accessed - there is now just one paintball door in the Locker Room (quick play to any map). You can choose a specific map in your watch.
  
• Bug where it was possible to get a double score in CTF should be fixed. Sorry about that! Note that this also fixes double scoring in Paddleball.

• Avatar items now come in packages that you rip open. Packages appear when you first enter a room. If you teleport away, the package will rez out (and re-appear next time you enter, you won't lose the item).
  
• Avatar items can be worn immediately, or you can just touch them to send them to the Dorm Room ("item saved!")
  
• Fixed a bunch of bugs with XP, levels, and item drops. Getting closer to a sane system =]
  
• Added new items!

• 3D Charades - podium height can now be adjusted up and down (so you can play seated if you like)
  
• 3D Charades - fixed bug which was making cards less random than they should be! You should see a wider variety of cards now...
  
• Disc Golf - fixed some incorrect hazard zones
  
• Tweaks to matchmaking - you're now more likely to join other players

• Ghost Mode - very close players are even more translucent
  
• Ghost Mode - nearby objects are ghosted as well as players
  
• Ghost Mode - is now "mutual" (you look like a ghost to them)
  
• Vote to Kick - you'll now get a notification on your watch when someone initiates vote to kick, plus players can no longer immediately return to a room they were kicked from.

• There's now a membership kiosk in the Dorm Room
  
• Trashcan hoops have VFX/SFX
  
• Rec Room will now prompt you to update if you're running an old version
  
• Fixed bug where you could lose all voice chat until you switched rooms
  
• Fixed bug where looping sounds could get stuck on permanently
  
• Cleaned up the watch menu a bunch
  
• Cleaned up and improved invites and notifications. They are (hopefully) much more understandable now.
  
• Made it clearer when friends are online vs. offline

• Updated Oculus Touch controls to match Oculus defaults (hand trigger = grab, index trigger = use).
  
• Fixed an issue where Oculus could default to the wrong mic
  
• Interaction sounds are now muted when the Oculus System menu is visible

As always, thanks for playing and please let us know any feedback you have!