Social VR game Boule Petanque takes you to Paris in major new update

Image: MIXED

The VR game Boule Petanque is receiving a major update today. It introduces a Parisian setting and enhanced graphics to the Quest 3.

FACTS

A big update for Boule Petanque is rolling out today, introducing the following new features:

• New Game Environment: You can now play boules right behind the Eiffel Tower, on the Champs de Mars. The original setting—a boule court in the idyllic southern French village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence—remains available.
• Improved Multiplayer Mode: A new spectator mode has been added, allowing players to join matches already in progress or return to ongoing games later. You can now also create private matches using custom room codes.
• Enhanced Graphics on Meta Quest 3: Boule Petanque now features higher-resolution textures, delivering improved visuals on the Meta Quest 3 and 3S.
• Support for New Meta Avatars: The game now supports the latest generation of Meta Avatars for a more personalized VR experience.
• Upgraded Network Technology: Multiplayer functionality has been made more stable and fluid with the switch from Photon Fusion 1.0 to 2.0.

Boule Petanque is available for $10 in the Horizon Store.

You’ll find more information about the game and hands-on impressions of the update in the following sections.

CONTEXT

Boule Petanque: First impressions of the update

Boule Petanque is a VR game developed by Kai Kramhöft and Claudia Bölling, with support from the new lead developer, Georg Wolf.

This boules simulation follows the official rules of the competitive sport Pétanque and has built a loyal fan base—primarily among German and French players—on the Meta Quest platform.

For those unfamiliar with the rules: first, the jack (a small red ball), is thrown. Then, each player throws three metal balls. Every ball that lands closer to the cochonnet than the opponent’s nearest ball earns one point. Rounds continue until a player reaches 13 points and wins the game.

Multiplayer mode supports 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 formats. You can practice in single-player mode.

I first tried Boule Petanque about a year ago and was impressed by its accessibility, realistic ball physics, and its charming French flair.

I’ve tried the update before its release. Boule Petanque remains a fantastic social game where you can meet on a virtual boules court within minutes and enjoy a few rounds while chatting. Thanks to the addition of private rooms, connecting with friends is now even quicker and more convenient.

I tested the new Parisian game environment with my neighbor, and it immediately elicited a “wow” from her. The Eiffel Tower rises impressively into the sky, while pedestrians stroll by and even a boat glides along the Seine in the background.

Visuals on the Quest 3 are now noticeably sharper thanks to the higher resolution. If you’re using Quest Games Optimizer, you can boost the resolution even further for an even crisper experience.

The trailer above is a bit older and doesn’t yet feature the new Paris environment, but it still does a great job of capturing the spirit of the game.

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