Pokemon Go developer Niantic has announced some big changes to the mobile game, as starting in October, progression is being completely overhauled. Not only is the level cap being raised substantially from 50 to 80, but players can also expect several other changes geared toward making progression feel more meaningful with new rewards and cosmetics.

The update will go live on October 15, and existing players will have their levels determined based on their total earned XP to date. Niantic says no player will go down a level and there'll also be a limited-time update with XP bonuses and a Timed Research event. Here's a breakdown of all the changes:

• Level cap increases from 50 to 80
• Tasks for Level-Up Research for levels 41 to 50 will be removed
• New Level-Up Research tasks will be added to levels 71 to 80
• Players at level 70 and higher will have an increased chance of becoming Lucky Friends with other players
• New rewards will be added to level-up progression, like increased storage capacity for Pokemon, items, and gifts.
• New avatar items can be earned starting at level 25

Players who experience a jump up in level will receive rewards associated with reaching those levels at that time, and Niantic will share details on these at a later date. Before the update goes live, players can also earn new cosmetics by reaching levels 40 through 50. The items include a Level 50 Jacket and an all-new avatar pose, and these will not be available once the leveling overhaul is implemented.

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The next Nintendo Direct may be coming up quite soon. Multiple new reports have pointed to the next Direct event taking place in mid-September, and that would be in keeping with tradition for Nintendo.

Switch Force posted a cryptic message referencing "912" and "missing games," suggesting that a Nintendo Direct featuring more Switch 2 games could take place on September 12. VGC, meanwhile, said it heard from sources that a Nintendo Direct is planned for mid-September.

Nintendo hosting a Nintendo Direct in September would not be surprising at all given Nintendo historically hosts Direct events in September. Regarding the potential September 12 date, that timing is conspicuous given it is one day before the 40th anniversary of the release of 1985's original Super Mario Bros.

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John Wick and Deadpool 2 director David Leitch's Gears of War movie is progressing forward, with producer Kelly McCormick saying there is a "lot of energy" around getting the movie made due in part to the fact that a new game, Gears of War: E-Day, is coming out in 2026.

McCormick clarified, though, that the Gears of War movie for Netflix will not be ready in time for the game's release date, whenever in 2026 that may be. "We won't hit that release date, but maybe something that feels relevant to the release of the new game," she told The Hollywood Reporter.

McCormick and Leitch are married and run the production company 87North together. She added that Leitch is excited to make the Gears of War movie because it's a genre he hasn't done before: war. It's also "a bit of sci-fi" that Leitch will get to make "in his own way," McCormick said.

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Last year, Coffee Stain Studios brought Satisfactory out of its half decade in early access with an announcement that console versions would follow. Now, the studio is inviting players on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S to join PC players on planet MASSAGE-2(A-B)b when Satisfactory launches on consoles on November 4.

In Satisfactory, players assume control of Pioneers who have traveled to an alien world on behalf of the mega corporation FICSIT Inc. to build factories and exploit the natural resources of MASSAGE-2 (A-B)b. You'll construct increasingly elaborate sets of automated machinery to mine, craft, and expand.

It's a big job, but luckily cross-play is supported across all consoles and PC, and up to four players can work together via co-op.

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After tours across France, England, and Mexico, Forza Horizon 6 is reportedly shifting the series over to Japan for its next slice of car racing action. According to several leaks--and at least one now-deleted Instagram post hinting at it--the next chapter is set to be revealed next month at the Tokyo Game Show.

That's according to prolific leaker NateTheHate, and Windows Central has backed up this report by claiming that it has seen documentation "suggesting" Forza Horizon 6 will be officially shown off during the annual gaming event.

Earlier this month, an Australian car import company uploaded an Instagram post showing off a Playground Games employee digitally scanning a rare compact Japanese car, adding more fuel to the fire when the post mentioned that it was for a new Forza Horizon game. The Tokyo Game Show takes place September 25-28, and Microsoft has in the past held dedicated showcases during the event.

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Descend into the depths of madness and terror in this disturbing pixel-art graphic adventure - a simultaneous prequel and sequel to Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness (2022). Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus draws you into a world of mirrors and shadows where evil lurks in every corner. Explore a haunting universe through the eyes of Josef Petrescu, a man scarred by tragedy who awakens horribly burned, voiceless, and memoryless. As Vlad Petrescu’s brother and co-heir to Vlad Circus, Josef embarks on a harrowing journey to uncover the truth behind his past. Pass through mirrors to shift between fragmented memories. Each temporal jump uncovers new layers of the story, allowing you to piece together Josef’s life and the macabre secret hidden in the old town of San Reno. Interact with a chilling array of characters - from the bizarre inhabitants of the dime museum to the terrifying dwellers of the catacombs. Each encounter will bring you closer to the truth.