Pokémon GO is poised to launch a substantial update on October 15th, featuring a significant overhaul in the level cap and overall XP accumulation. This update will raise the level cap from 50 to 80, representing the most considerable enhancement in the game’s timeline. In preparation for this alteration, an XP Celebration event will begin, allowing players to acquire XP at an enhanced rate.

Throughout the XP Celebration, players will gain double catch XP for different Poké Ball throws and an extra 3,000 XP from successful Raids and Max Battles. These perks will be combinable with other event bonuses, creating an excellent chance for players to level up rapidly.

Trainers at level 5 and above will have access to Timed Research, providing an opportunity to earn more than 7 million XP prior to the new level cap implementation. Furthermore, the requirements for a level 47 Level-Up Research task will be lessened, facilitating players in reaching their levelling objectives.

The official Pokémon GO blog specifies the following amendments:

• The level cap will rise from 50 to 80, featuring a reworked levelling curve.
• Level-Up Research tasks for levels 41 to 50 will be eliminated, while new tasks will be introduced for levels 71 to 80.
• Players at level 70 and above will experience an enhanced likelihood of becoming Lucky Friends.
• New rewards will be unveiled, encompassing increased storage capacity and new avatar items commencing at level 25.
• Certain players may automatically ascend in level based on previously accrued experience, with rewards awarded correspondingly.
• No players will lose levels, but XP requirements for levelling up could alter.

By October 14, 2025, all players will be awarded a special medal to celebrate their highest attained level. Trainers who have reached level 50 will be given a Level 50 Jacket and a new avatar pose. These items will not be obtainable for levelling up after the update.

To wrap up the XP Celebration event, the Pokémon GO store presents the XP Celebration Ultra Box for $9.99 USD, which includes items to assist in levelling up. Players are permitted to purchase up to three Ultra Boxes each.

Players are encouraged to remain mindful of their surroundings and follow local health protocols while engaging in Pokémon GO. More information regarding the update will be shared in October, so stay tuned for additional announcements. Enjoy the journey to Level 50 before the update takes effect!

Fan Expo Canada 2025 was a lively tribute to pop culture, attracting enthusiasts from all corners to the Toronto Metro Convention Centre. The event served as a center of excitement, offering a wide variety of cosplayers, interactive experiences, shopping options, panels, and celebrity appearances. Guests were eager to delve into the convention’s highlights, ranging from exclusive merchandise to opportunities to meet their beloved stars.

Cosplayers displayed a remarkable assortment of attire, reflecting popular anime series, television shows, movies, comics, video games, and horror themes. The ingenuity and skill on show varied from novice to expert levels, enhancing the vibrant and lively spirit of the event.

The convention continued to expand, with larger installations and exhibitor booths drawing in more fans yearly. Artist Alley, in particular, experienced a growth in space, providing more artists the chance to showcase and sell their unique works. This year boasted an impressive roster of celebrities, including Hailee Steinfeld from “Hawkeye” and “Sinners,” William Shatner from “Star Trek,” Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd from “Back to the Future,” and Ewan McGregor from “Star Wars.”

The gallery encapsulated the spirit of Fan Expo Canada 2025, highlighting the thrill and vibrancy that filled the convention over the weekend.

Razer Teams Up with HoYoverse for Exclusive Zenless Zone Zero Peripheral Lineup

Razer has revealed a fresh partnership with HoYoverse, presenting the inaugural official peripheral lineup for the widely popular game Zenless Zone Zero. This collaboration brings forth a selection of gaming accessories inspired by the game’s character Miyabi, merging artistic aesthetics with top-tier functionality.

The exclusive lineup features the Razer Iskur V2 X, BlackWidow V4 X, Cobra, and the Gigantus V2 – Medium deskmat, all adorned with Zenless Zone Zero branding. These peripherals are crafted to elevate the gaming experience for both fans and collectors, providing a distinctive way to honor their dedication.

Addie Tan, Global Head of Lifestyle Division at Razer, shared enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing Miyabi’s fierce elegance and precision as an ideal complement to Razer’s performance-focused philosophy. The collection seeks to bring the dynamic essence of Zenless Zone Zero into the tangible world, enabling fans to interact with the game beyond the digital interface.

The product assortment is open for pre-order, with prices listed as follows:

– Iskur V2 X – Zenless Zone Zero Edition: $399.99 USD, includes in-game bonuses.
– BlackWidow V4 X – Zenless Zone Zero Edition: $169.99 USD / €189.99 MSRP, includes in-game bonuses.
– Cobra – Zenless Zone Zero Edition: $59.99 USD / €69.99 MSRP, includes in-game bonuses.
– Gigantus V2 – Medium – Zenless Zone Zero Edition: $29.99 USD / €39.99 MSRP, includes in-game bonuses.

While the BlackWidow V4 X and Cobra can be pre-ordered currently, the Gigantus V2 and Iskur V2 X will be launched shortly. Fans can discover more details about the collaboration on Razer’s official site.

The Pokémon Company has revealed the forthcoming launch of the latest themed booster for Pokémon TCG Pocket, named “Secluded Springs,” scheduled for release on August 28, 2025. This new booster aims to enchant fans with a spotlight on cherished Pokémon from the Johto region, first seen in Pokémon Gold and Silver. The cover illustration prominently showcases the legendary Pokémon Entei and Suicune, suggesting their presence in the set.

A press announcement for the booster indicates that players can look forward to uncovering more Pokémon from both the Johto and Hoenn regions. Sample cards have been displayed, featuring Entei, Latios, Latias, and Mantyke, providing a preview of the thrilling additions to the card game.

In Pokémon TCG Pocket, players have the option to utilize Stamina to unbox packs, which replenishes every 12 hours, or choose “Pack Hourglasses” for instant access. Furthermore, boosters can be obtained with real money, including a Release Pack of 12 boosters priced at $9.99, which is roughly $0.83 per booster. Players are advised to visit the in-game store for the latest pricing and available choices.

To commemorate the launch, The Pokémon Company has announced a series of in-app events throughout September:

– **Zoroark Drop Event (Sept. 2 at 11 p.m. PDT to Sept. 12 at 10:59 p.m. PDT):** Participate in exclusive solo battles to earn new promo cards, featuring Zoroark.

– **Bonus Week (Sept. 6 at 11 p.m. PDT to Sept. 13 at 10:59 p.m. PDT):** Complete Bonus Week missions to receive pack hourglasses and additional rewards.

– **Wonder Pick Event (Sept. 13 at 11 p.m. PDT to Sept. 23 at 10:59 p.m. PDT):** Obtain new promo cards showcasing Miltank and Phanpy, as well as event shop tickets by fulfilling missions.

– **Water-type Pokémon Mass Outbreak Event (Sept. 24 at 11 p.m. PDT to Sept. 30 at 10:59 p.m. PDT):** Keep an eye out for cards focusing on Water-type Pokémon in rare and bonus selections.

Pokémon TCG Pocket is available for download on Android and iOS devices, providing fans with a vibrant and interactive method to explore the Pokémon universe through trading card gameplay.

Netflix has revealed the teaser trailer and new voice cast members for the much-anticipated anime adaptation, *Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Deathwatch*, during AnimeNYC. This announcement has been long-awaited by fans of the *Splinter Cell* franchise, as Netflix has been suggesting this adaptation for several months. The new trailer, published by Ubisoft, signifies the comeback of the legendary character Sam Fisher, now depicted in animated style. The series is scheduled to launch on Netflix, with fans observing that Fisher seems older yet just as tough, following the events of *Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory*.

The trailer indicates that *Deathwatch* occurs after *Chaos Theory*, featuring a funeral scene for Douglas Shetland, a past ally of Fisher whom he killed in the game. Although the details of Fisher’s objective in *Deathwatch* remain vague, the trailer implies a personal grudge. The voice cast features Liev Schreiber as Sam Fisher, Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Zinnia McKenna, Janet Varney as Anna Grimsdottir, and Joel Oulette as Thunder. The series is being produced by Ubisoft in partnership with animation studios Sun Creature and Fost, with Derek Kolstad, recognized for *John Wick*, acting as head writer and executive producer. Directors Guillame Dousse and Félicien Colmet-Daage, along with executive producers Helene Juguet, Hugo Revon, and Gérard Guillemot from Ubisoft Film & Television, are also on the team.

Netflix’s dedication to video game adaptations is clear, with *Splinter Cell: Deathwatch* being one of multiple projects in collaboration with Ubisoft, including an upcoming *Assassin’s Creed* series. While the latter is still in preliminary production stages, *Deathwatch* is projected to premiere on Netflix on October 14, providing fans with an exciting extension of Sam Fisher’s narrative.

Dotemu and The Game Kitchen have introduced the initial significant post-launch update for “Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound,” enhancing the title with various improvements and a more user-friendly hard mode. This update, designated as “D1,” can now be downloaded from the Steam Store.

Highlighted updates feature a newly added “Restart from Checkpoint” function, enabling players to resume from their last checkpoint without requiring a defeat, thereby considerably alleviating frustration. Furthermore, players can now access Hard Mode by conquering Ryu in the opening duel at level 1-1, providing a faster route to higher difficulties.

Additional significant updates consist of fresh dialogues at the beginning of levels S-4, S-5, and S-6, an alternate dialogue portrait for the Masked Agent at level 4-4, and the capability to disable hit stop and screen shake through Accessibility settings. Golden Skins are now immediately attainable upon earning an S rank on all levels, and new sound effects have been incorporated for enemies, projectiles, and menus.

The update also resolves over 20 various bugs, as outlined in the official announcement on the Steam Store. “Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound,” created by the developers of the “Blasphemous” titles, is the first 2D Ninja Gaiden game in more than three decades. It has garnered favorable reviews, including an 8/10 rating for its effective combination of Nintendo and Xbox era features.

“Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound” is accessible on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

**Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater – A Fresh Chapter for a Timeless Game**

With the eagerly awaited launch of *Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater* imminent, enthusiasts are abuzz with anticipation regarding the remakes of *Metal Gear Solid 3*. One of the most captivating announcements is the reinvention of the legendary Guy Savage nightmare sequence, crafted by the esteemed action studio Platinum Games. This news was officially revealed on the game’s X account, further amplifying the excitement surrounding the release.

For those who know *Metal Gear Solid 3*, the Guy Savage sequence is a notable Easter Egg. In the original title, players encountered a distinctive nightmare sequence by saving the game while Naked Snake was held captive. Upon reloading this save, gamers would find themselves in a hack-and-slash scenario, fighting vampiric foes in a manner akin to *Castlevania*. This unexpected twist was among the standout moments of the PS2 title, and *Delta* intends to enhance this experience even further.

The revamped Guy Savage sequence in *Delta* is especially significant as it marks Platinum Games’ return to the franchise. The studio had previously contributed to *Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance*, the 2013 action title focused on Raiden. The refreshed sequence in *Delta* presents an entirely new graphical style and aesthetic, leaning more toward Platinum Games’ distinctive flair rather than the original’s Castlevania-inspired visuals.

In an exhilarating development, the Guy Savage sequence now operates as a standalone mode. After players finish the main campaign, they can directly access this mode from *Delta’s* main menu, providing a novel and engaging experience beyond the primary storyline.

Aside from the Guy Savage sequence, *Metal Gear Solid Delta* largely remains a true remake of the classic PS2 game. The narrative and voice acting are retained, while the game enjoys a visual upgrade, quality-of-life enhancements, and a refreshed third-person gameplay mode. These improvements aim to deliver an immersive experience to both new and returning players, honoring the original’s legacy while infusing modern gaming features.

*Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater* is scheduled to release on August 28 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. As the launch date nears, fans are keenly anticipating the opportunity to re-enter the realm of Naked Snake and savor the exhilarating updates that *Delta* promises to offer.

With the announcement of many games this year, Gamescom 2025 featured a Gamescom Award to honor the top upcoming and released games, studios, booths, and trailers.

As the thrilling expo reaches its third day, gamescom 2025 has unveiled the recipients of this year’s gamescom Award Showcase, facilitated by IGN and arranged by the Digital Gaming Culture Foundation. Taking place on August 22nd at 9 AM EST, games and studios were recognized across 19 categories, being designated the best of the best during this year’s showcase.

*Hollow Knight: Silksong*

From Resident Evil Requiem excelling in several categories to Hollow Knight: Silksong, after its lengthy hiatus, winning an award for the best trailer, here are the champions of this year’s gamescom Award 2025.

## Gamescom Award 2025 Winners

*Resident Evil Requiem*

– Best Visuals – Resident Evil Requiem | Capcom Entertainment
– Best Audio – Resident Evil Requiem | Capcom Entertainment
– Best Gameplay – Donkey Kong Bananza – Nintendo
– Most Entertaining – Hela | Windup and Knights Peak
– Most Epic – Resident Evil Requiem | Capcom Entertainment
– Most Wholesome – Hela | Windup and Knights Peak
– Games for Impact – Tiny Bookshop | neoludic games, Skystone Games, 2P Games
– Best Microsoft Xbox Game – Grounded 2 | Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios
– Best PC Game – Anno 117: Pax Romana | Ubisoft Mainz and Ubisoft
– Best Sony PlayStation Game – Resident Evil Requiem | Capcom Entertainment
– Best Nintendo Switch 2 Game – Mario Kart World | Nintendo
– Best Mobile Game – Love and Deepspace | Papergames and Infold Games
– Best Lineup (Jury Award) – Capcom Entertainment
– Best Booth (Jury Award) – Anno 117: Pax Romana Hands-On Booth + Ubisoft’s Community Lounge
– Best Business Booth (Jury Award) – Ubisoft’s Business Lounge
– HEART OF GAMING Award (Special Jury Prize) – Artist Alleys
– Best Booth (Consumer Award) – Pokémon
– Best Merch (Consumer Award) – Star Birds Gacha Machine
– Best Trailer (Consumer Award) – Hollow Knight: Silksong

That covers all the award winners from this year’s gamescom Award Showcase. For more information about the gamescom Award nominees and the event, check out the gamescom [website](https://www.gamescom.global/en/program/gamescom-award).

Team Cherry recently conducted a special broadcast to reveal the launch date for their eagerly awaited game, Hollow Knight: Silksong. After six years of development, the game is slated for release on September 4, 2025. This announcement has shared more insights than ever before, thrilling fans who have been keenly anticipating the follow-up to the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight.

The game was reintroduced at the Xbox Games Showcase in 2022, sparking renewed interest following a stretch of silence from Team Cherry. Co-Founder Ari Gibson mentioned that the delay was attributed to the team’s small size and the lengthy nature of game development, rather than any significant obstacles.

In Silksong, players will embody Hornet, a cherished character from the original game. The sequel guarantees a new kingdom to discover, 150 fresh foes, and a demanding difficulty level. Hornet’s nimbleness and Needle weapon will enable fluid movement and combat.

Hollow Knight: Silksong will be accessible on various platforms, including Steam, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series S/X, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. It will also be available on Xbox Game Pass from the first day.

**Borderlands 4: A New Era of Chaos and Imagination**

Borderlands has consistently been a franchise that flourishes in chaos, humor, and extravagance, crafting a universe that feels both vibrant and absurd. With the impending launch of Borderlands 4, fans are eagerly looking forward to the evolution of the series. Recently, I had the chance to converse with Adam May, the art director for Borderlands 4, to explore the creative journey behind the game and what players can look forward to in this fresh installment.

**A Heritage of Imagination**

Adam May has been part of Gearbox for almost 18 years, beginning his career as a character artist on the original Borderlands. His path through the franchise has been defined by a dedication to expanding creative horizons while remaining faithful to the franchise’s fundamental essence. As the art director for Borderlands 4, Adam has played a crucial role in shaping the visual style and character aesthetics of the game.

**Adopting New Technology**

Borderlands 4 is poised to harness the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5, enabling the team to design more intricate and immersive environments than ever before. Adam detailed how the new engine has allowed them to create lush, jungle-like landscapes with detailed foliage, all meticulously crafted for authenticity. This technological advancement has also facilitated more sophisticated lighting and material effects, making the world of Borderlands 4 feel more realistic while preserving its distinctive comic book style.

**An Integrated World**

A particularly thrilling advancement in Borderlands 4 is the seamless movement between environments. Players can now transition from one zone to another without any loading screens, amplifying the sense of immersion. This flowing experience is enhanced by dynamic lighting effects, such as auto-exposure, which replicate the stark shift from dim caves to bright sunlight.

**A Novel Perspective**

Adam indicated that the creation of Borderlands 4 involved a collaborative effort with a clear vision that unfolded progressively. The team aimed to build a world that felt vast and adventurous, captivating players with intriguing landscapes that encourage exploration. This methodology guarantees that the game remains compelling and visually impressive, consistently drawing players forward with new and thrilling discoveries.

**Character and Environment Creation**

The technological advancements have also permitted more intricate character models, featuring three times the number of polygons compared to earlier titles. This boost in detail extends to full-body cosmetic alterations, allowing players to forge a deeper connection with their characters. The design ethos for Borderlands 4 focuses on diversity, ensuring that each Vault Hunter presents a unique playstyle and visual charm.

**A New Antagonist and Vault Hunters**

The Timekeeper, the primary villain in the game, offers a multifaceted character who blurs the distinctions between good and evil. This layered approach to villainy enriches the narrative, prompting players to reflect on their choices. Simultaneously, the new Vault Hunters are crafted to provide a variety of playstyles, featuring skill trees and action skills that support personalized character builds.

**Engagement with Fans and Input**

Fan feedback has been pivotal in shaping Borderlands 4. The Gearbox team appreciates the contributions of their community, frequently integrating fan-generated lore and concepts into the game. This collaborative bond with players guarantees that the series continues to resonate with its fans, nurturing a sense of collective creativity and enthusiasm.

**Final Thoughts**

Borderlands 4 is set to be an exhilarating addition to the franchise, merging state-of-the-art technology with the series’ signature humor and chaos. With Adam May leading its artistic direction, the game is primed to offer a visually breathtaking and immersive adventure that both veteran fans and newcomers will relish. As the release date edges closer, anticipation grows for what promises to be yet another unforgettable journey through the wild and whimsical realm of Borderlands.