Pokemon GO Announces Community Day Schedule for June, July, and August 2025

Pokemon GO has officially announced the dates for Community Day events occurring in June, July, and August. These special events provide players with unique bonuses and a chance to encounter shiny Pokémon at increased rates. Community Days have long been a highlight for Pokémon GO fans, not only boosting spawn rates of featured Pokémon but also typically offering XP and item bonuses.

Even for players who may not be interested in the highlighted Pokémon, these events still present a worthwhile opportunity to engage with the game and catch a variety of Pokémon. Mark your calendars for the upcoming Community Day dates: June 21, July 5, July 6 (a two-day Community Day Classic featuring Pokémon from previous events), July 20, and August 30. While the Pokémon featured in these events have yet to be announced, previous Community Days have introduced Pokémon that players are eager to catch, often granting exclusive moves that can only be learned during the events.

In addition to the Community Day events, Pokémon GO has revealed a range of other activities for the summer. Key dates include Raid Day on July 12, Max Battle Day on July 19, and a Max Battle Weekend from July 26-27. Research Day will take place on August 2, followed by additional Max Battle and Hatch Days, along with various Raid Days, culminating with Shadow Raid Weekend from August 16-17 and another Raid Day on August 31.

This summer is shaping up to be a busy time for Pokémon GO players, with the annual Pokémon GO Fest scheduled for July and more content expected in the coming months. Following Scopely’s acquisition of the game, players can rest assured that the thrill of new events and features will continue to roll out, maintaining the excitement that makes Pokémon GO so popular.

Bandai Namco Sees Significant Surge in Profits This Quarter

Bandai Namco has reported a staggering 995.1% increase in gaming profits for the last fiscal year, attributing this surge to the successes of titles like Elden Ring and Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. The company’s significant efforts in expanding and delivering exciting content have clearly paid off, with sales exceeding expectations and surpassing the projected figures for both home video games and mobile gaming.

However, the journey for Bandai Namco over the past year has not been without its difficulties. The company faced notable challenges, including the layoffs of over 100 employees between April 2024 and February 2025.

Additionally, Bandai Namco made the difficult decision to shut down the MMO Blue Protocol and cancel the mobile title Tales of the Rays, among other projects. Despite these setbacks, the latest financial results demonstrated a remarkable recovery, showcasing the resilience of the gaming giant.

A recent trademark filing hints at potential new projects, particularly of interest to fans of the Katamari games. Alongside this, Bandai Namco’s digital segment reported a 995.1% profit growth for the fiscal year ending in March 2025, driven by over $3 billion in sales.

A significant factor in this success was the surge in purchases for Elden Ring content following the release of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, which propelled the game back to the top of the sales charts. In addition to Elden Ring, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero also achieved remarkable success, selling 5.4 million copies and becoming the fastest-selling console title in the Dragon Ball franchise.

This contributed to Bandai Namco’s profits, making it the third-highest-selling game in the company’s history. Looking to the future, Bandai Namco anticipates a potential decline in sales and profits for the next fiscal year, which could be a realistic adjustment following such an extraordinary year.

Still, there’s optimism as the company prepares to release exciting titles, including the Tarnished Edition of Elden Ring, signaling that while replicating such success may be challenging, Bandai Namco remains committed to engaging its fan base.

Latest Undisputed Update Introduces Significant Enhancements to Gameplay Experience

Undisputed has released a significant update for May 2025, designed to enhance gameplay and remedy various bugs. This marks the game’s fourth patch in just five weeks, demonstrating Steel City Interactive’s commitment to improving the boxing title. The update, now available for download on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam, specifically addresses adjustments to stamina and evasive movements, making these features more viable for players. Since the early access release, Undisputed has faced criticism, often receiving mixed reviews.

While it launched last October, many fans felt that the game fell short compared to its earlier version. Several features were also missing, leading to disappointment among players eager for a new boxing experience since the Fight Night series has been inactive for over a decade. However, Steel City has been proactive in getting feedback and launching updates, including this latest patch, which introduces noteworthy changes. Among the updates, evasive movements such as dodging, slipping, weaving, and diagonal dodging have been enhanced, allowing players to avoid punches more effectively and counterattack.

Stamina management has also been refined; now, blocked punches consume less stamina than missed punches, though still more than landed punches. Despite the improvements, Steel City has faced backlash regarding a recent DLC, which some fans deemed “insulting,” citing concerns over the prioritization of paid content over essential game enhancements. Nevertheless, the steady flow of updates seems to show the developer’s responsiveness to player feedback, with the most recent patches receiving praise for making the game feel “solid and snappy.” The update also includes various bug fixes, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.

In addition to the gameplay tweaks, issues such as desync during online fights and incorrect fighter announcements have been addressed. This commitment to quality suggests an encouraging trajectory for Undisputed as it continues to develop further.

Big Announcements Expected for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 on May 15

Warhorse Studios has officially announced that the much-anticipated expansion for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, titled Brushes with Death, will be released on May 15. This addition is poised to be the largest downloadable content (DLC) the game has seen so far, offering fans a substantial new experience. Since its release in February, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has received critical acclaim for its dedication to realism and notable improvements over its predecessor.

The game’s popularity continues to soar, with sales recently surpassing the three million mark, driven by positive feedback from players and reviewers. On social media platform X, Warhorse Studios confirmed the release date and shared a captivating trailer for Brushes with Death. The trailer features Henry of Skalitz, the protagonist, engaging in a tense encounter with a bound figure in a forest setting.

While it raises numerous questions, fans are eager to dive into the new content that awaits them. While players have enjoyed a variety of free content since the game’s launch, Brushes with Death will be the first paid expansion. Pricing details have not yet been disclosed, and it is not currently available for pre-order.

Fans are encouraged to stay alert as the release date draws near. Looking ahead, there are plans for even more DLC for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 throughout the year. The post-launch roadmap revealed earlier this year mentioned two additional expansions set for release in 2025, titled Legacy of the Forge and Mysteria Ecclesia.

Like Brushes with Death, specific details about these upcoming expansions remain under wraps, but they will all be included in the game’s expansion pass, ensuring a wealth of content for dedicated players.

New Final Fantasy Character Cards Unveiled in Magic: The Gathering Expansion

Warning: The following article contains MAJOR SPOILERS from various Final Fantasy games. A month ahead of its official launch, Magic: The Gathering has unveiled exciting character cards from its upcoming Final Fantasy crossover expansion set. The newly revealed Magic character cards include Hildibrand Manderville and Zenos yae Galvus from Final Fantasy 14, alongside fresh artwork for beloved series characters such as Tifa, Squall, Kefka, and Sephiroth. Final Fantasy is the latest addition to Magic: The Gathering’s expanding Universes Beyond saga, which already features cards from popular franchises like Assassin’s Creed and The Lord of the Rings.

As the 105th overall expansion for the renowned tabletop card game, Wizards of the Coast has designated the Final Fantasy set for use in Standard MTG play and draft modes. The expansion will incorporate various places and noteworthy events from the mainline Final Fantasy series, and it will also feature Commander Decks with iconic heroes like Cloud and Y’shtola. Pre-orders for this anticipated set are available through retail platforms like Amazon and at local card shops. In addition to the character cards, renowned Final Fantasy 14 composer Masayoshi Soken has expressed interest in potentially integrating a rhythm-style minigame within the MMORPG.

Ahead of the set’s June 13 launch, MTG has revealed additional cards to keep fans engaged. Both Zenos yae Galvus and Hildibrand Manderville will be featured as legendary creature cards. Hildibrand, known for his charming role in Final Fantasy 14’s beloved quest series, offers a Zombie creature token that can be activated with his Adventure effect using two Black Lands. Zenos, the formidable antagonist from the Stormblood expansion, is a double-faced card, transforming into the fearsome dragon Shinryu after defeating a chosen opponent.

Shinryu brings unique gameplay mechanics to multiplayer Commander matches, although it may attract unwanted attention from rival players. While Cloud and Sephiroth were earlier confirmed in the Final Fantasy starter kit, their legendary card variants were teased through standees at PAX East, alongside characters like Squall, Kefka, and Tifa. Each card reveal was accompanied by promotions for an upcoming MTG: Final Fantasy panel led by Final Fantasy 16 voice actor Ben Starr. Fans are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of additional characters in this exciting MTG expansion.

Mafia: The Old Country Offers a Unique Experience Unlike Previous Installments in One Major Aspect

Mafia: The Old Country is set to depart from the open-world format, focusing instead on a narrative-driven experience. This game is set in early-1900s Sicily and will follow a linear storytelling approach that emphasizes plot over exploration. Scheduled for release on August 8, the base game will be priced at $49.99, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to many AAA titles on the market today.

As the long-anticipated sequel to 2016’s Mafia 3, Mafia: The Old Country was officially unveiled during Gamescom in August 2024, roughly two years after Hangar 13’s general manager, Roman Hladik, announced that a new project was in the works. The first look at the game’s narrative came in December through a trailer that depicted the gritty crime family dynamics typical of the franchise, now set in turn-of-the-century Sicily. With this new installment, the creators are prioritizing a captivating story over the free-roaming gameplay players have experienced in previous titles.

According to the game’s FAQ on its official website, it will ultimately deliver “a linear, narrative-driven game,” marking a clear shift from the traditional open-world structure. Hangar 13 has been open about its vision for Mafia: The Old Country since development started in 2022, but this definitive move away from an open-world experience was confirmed in the recent FAQ. Storytelling has always been a cornerstone of the Mafia franchise, drawing inspiration from classic gangster films like Goodfellas and The Godfather.

In Mafia: The Old Country, the narrative will follow Enzo as he grapples with themes of loyalty and honor within his family. Although the linear format may lead to shorter gameplay compared to Mafia 3, fans can expect significant value for their investment. Pre-orders are already available, including a Deluxe Edition that offers several bonuses such as unique outfits, weaponry, and transportation options including a limousine and a horse.

Couples Celebrate at Pokemon GO Fest 2025: Paris Revives Beloved Event for Fans

In 2024, Pokemon GO Fest introduced a unique opportunity for couples to propose during the event, and it’s back at the upcoming Pokemon GO Fest in Paris. This special engagement feature allows romantic partners to apply for a chance to have a proposal captured by a professional photographer in one of the most iconic cities in the world. To participate, couples must attend the event in person and submit their relationship story via email. Since its inception, Pokemon GO Fest has seen couples seize the chance to propose, with five proposals successfully made at the 2024 Madrid event.

With Pokemon GO Fest returning to Paris, couples once again have the opportunity to create a memorable moment in a picturesque setting. The Pokemon GO team has announced that the fest in Paris will take place from June 13-15, and chosen couples will enjoy an exclusive venue for their proposals. Additionally, they will receive a special surprise gift, reminiscent of previous events, where participants have had meet-and-greets with popular characters like Pikachu and Eevee. For those interested in joining this engaging experience, there are a few steps to follow.

Couples must purchase tickets for the festival, priced at approximately €27, which is about $30 USD. To apply for the proposal opportunity, couples need to email Pokemon GO detailing their relationship and engagement plans. If selected, they can bring their engagement ring, while the event organizers handle the rest. Historically, only a limited number of couples have been chosen, with ten couples selected at last year’s event.

For many Pokemon fans, the game has become a meaningful part of their romantic relationships. Whether enjoying a walk together or connecting through shared interests, Pokemon GO has a way of bringing couples closer, making this engagement opportunity highly appealing to trainers seeking love.

Razer Unveils Innovative Head Cushion Speaker, a Game-Changing Alternative to Traditional Headphones

Razer has launched the Clio, a unique head cushion speaker designed to provide both comfort and high-quality surround sound. Priced at $230, the Clio features THX spatial audio, offers up to 14 hours of usage, and boasts wireless connectivity.

This innovative product reflects Razer’s ongoing commitment to push boundaries in gaming technology, following its notable introductions like the Zephyr mask and Project Arielle chair. The Clio speaker can function independently or complement an existing audio setup.

It’s designed to serve as a comfortable headrest, ideal for those seeking to enhance their audio experience without the discomfort often associated with traditional headphones. With appearances reminiscent of a standard cushion, it also features two adjustable wings that can fold in toward the user, providing a more immersive listening experience similar to that found in business-class airline seating.

In terms of technical specifications, the Razer Clio utilizes THX spatial audio and is equipped with dual 43mm full-range drivers. Users have the flexibility to use it as a complete headphone alternative or as part of a surround sound system, where it can act as a rear speaker when paired with front-facing speakers for 5.1 surround sound.

The device supports Razer HyperSpeed, enabling low-latency wireless connections, as well as Bluetooth compatibility with PCs, Android, and iOS devices. Overall, the Clio promises approximately 14 hours of use and can be conveniently recharged via USB-C. With orders available upon publication of this article, shipments are expected to commence on May 16.

Razer continues to stand out in the evolving market for PC peripherals and furniture, exemplified by its recent reveal of the Project Arielle chair, designed with seasonal comfort features, which remains a concept for now.

Half-Life 2 RTX Update Addresses and Resolves Lighting Problems

The latest update to Half-Life 2 RTX has made significant enhancements to lighting and visuals, addressing earlier criticisms from the community. With improvements to water effects, the antlion model, and stability, the update provides a richer visual experience while maintaining the essence of the original game. The Orbifold team has worked diligently to refine the project, which is distinct from Valve’s original work.

Half-Life 2 RTX, developed by Orbifold Studios—known for their notable modifications like Half-Life 2 VR—intends to overhaul the game visually. The latest patch, following the initial demo released earlier this year, introduces improved lighting, which enhances the iconic atmosphere of levels such as Ravenholm. Players had previously voiced concerns about the demo’s failure to accurately replicate the unique aesthetic of Half-Life 2, and these updates aim to rectify that.

This third major update further fine-tunes the appearance of water and fog, resolves several known crashes, and optimizes the antlion model, all while enhancing the overall lighting. Flickering issues with light have been addressed, providing a smoother and more stable gaming experience. The integration of a newer version of the RTX Remix runtime is also expected to enhance gameplay stability.

The community’s feedback has driven many of these changes, particularly regarding Ravenholm, where lighting plays a crucial role in creating an eerie atmosphere. The initial demo’s overly bright portrayal disappointed players, but the update now aligns closely with the game’s original tone. Players can now enjoy a visually impressive Ravenholm that resonates more with their nostalgic memories of Half-Life 2.

Overall, these updates herald a promising evolution of Half-Life 2 RTX, showcasing the dedication of the Orbifold team to deliver a visually stunning and immersive experience true to the beloved classic.

Hideo Kojima Reveals the Reasoning Behind the Release Date of Death Stranding 2

The release date for Death Stranding 2 was established “quite a while ago,” with a target set for no later than 2024. Hideo Kojima, the director behind the title, indicated that the timing of its launch was primarily determined by the publisher, Sony. As is customary, it was important for Death Stranding 2 to avoid coinciding with any other significant releases from the same publisher.

The highly anticipated sequel, officially announced in December 2022, secured a firm release date of June 26, 2025. Kojima highlighted the strategic choice of this date, as it would foster engagement while steering clear of the competition. In a recent episode of the Japanese-language KOJI10 podcast, Kojima elaborated that the release date was not solely his decision.

As a PlayStation exclusive, Death Stranding 2 was cautiously positioned in relation to Sony’s other major titles anticipated to launch in 2025. According to Kojima, the timing was solidified “quite a while back.” While he did not provide specific details, it appears Kojima Productions and Sony worked on the timing of the game’s arrival prior to September 2024.

During a developer panel at the Tokyo Games Show, he mentioned “unforeseen circumstances” as a reason for not disclosing the release date sooner. The date was ultimately confirmed in early March 2025, right before pre-orders began. Kojima acknowledged that while the holiday season is typically the most profitable for video games, this period was not an option for Death Stranding 2, especially after Ghost of Yotei was announced for an early October 2025 release.

Although the game will launch as a PS5 exclusive, it is anticipated that it will later be available on PC.