Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A received a major gameplay update and October launch date.
A new stop-motion TV series is in development by Aardman Animations.
Pokémon Friends, a puzzle mini-game, launched across platforms.
Updates announced for Pokémon Go, Pokémon Unite, Sleep, Masters EX and the TCG.
New episodes of Pokémon Concierge coming to Netflix this September.
The latest Nintendo Pokémon Presents showcase, broadcast on 22 July 2025, delivered a range of announcements across the Pokémon franchise’s games, spin-offs, media, and upcoming events. The livestream covered new trailers, platform launches, mobile app features, and animated productions, giving fans an overview of what to expect throughout the rest of the year and beyond.
One of the main highlights was new footage from Pokémon Legends: Z-A, along with more details on upcoming releases such as Pokémon Champions, Pokémon Friends, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game: Mega Evolution. The presentation also gave attention to Netflix’s Pokémon Concierge, a new partnership with Aardman Animations, and the expanding PokéPark attraction in Japan.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A launches this October with new features
Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set in Lumiose City, continues to be the most anticipated mainline title in the franchise. The latest trailer provided a closer look at several gameplay features, including the new Z-A Royale battle system, character customisation options, a built-in photo mode, and the return of Mega Evolutions—this time including rogue forms. Players will also be able to customise the form of Furfrou. The game is confirmed for launch on 16 October 2025 and will be bundled with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
Pokémon Champions gets a new gameplay trailer
The showcase also featured another look at Pokémon Champions, an arena-based battle game scheduled to launch in 2026. The title will allow players to battle using Pokémon from both current rosters and previous generations, with compatibility via Pokémon Home. It will be available on Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
Pokémon Friends launches across all platforms
A new puzzle-based mini-game called Pokémon Friends was announced and released the same day. The game features block-sliding mechanics, rotating paths, and a "plush room" that players can decorate using digital plush toys unlocked through puzzles. Pokémon Friends is now available on Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
- YouTube YouTube/ The Official Pokémon YouTube channel
Aardman Animations creating new Pokémon TV show
In a new collaboration, Aardman Animations—the studio behind Wallace and Gromit—is working on a stop-motion Pokémon series titled Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu. The show will offer a comedic take on the Pokémon world from the creatures’ perspective and is expected to premiere in 2027.
New episodes of Pokémon Concierge confirmed for September
Netflix's animated series Pokémon Concierge will return with new episodes starting 4 September. The stop-motion series has been praised for its art style and storytelling, and a new trailer was shown during the presentation.
Pokémon Go Fest 2025 and Max Finale details
The Pokémon Go Fest 2025: Max Finale event will take place from 23 to 24 August, offering a chance to encounter Eternatus for the first time globally. The event includes back-to-back Max Raid battles, and a promotional code (GOFESTMAX) can be entered for the chance to catch a Gigantamax Pokémon.
Mobile game updates across the franchise
Several Pokémon mobile titles are receiving fresh content:
In Pokémon Masters EX, Carmine and Sinistcha will be featured in a new Poké Fair running from 29 July to 6 September.
Pokémon Café ReMix will include a Lapras in a sea captain outfit from 23 July to 21 August. Sea-themed decorations and crew outfits for Alolan Meowth, Totodile, and Minccino are also on the way.
Pokémon Sleep will introduce legendary Pokémon Raikou, Entei, and Suicune in September. A new location called Amber Canyon is launching in November.
Pokémon Unite is celebrating its fourth anniversary by adding Latios on 18 July and Latias on 8 August.
- YouTube YouTube/ The Official Pokémon YouTube channel
Pokémon Trading Card Game: Mega Evolution set to release in September
The Mega Evolution expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game is scheduled for release on 26 September 2025.
Pokémon World Championships heading to California
The 2025 Pokémon World Championships will take place from 15 to 17 August in Anaheim, California. Players will compete in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon Go, Pokémon Unite, and the Trading Card Game. A special commemorative promo card will be distributed to all participants.
PokéPark Kanto theme park attraction to open in Japan
A new permanent Pokémon outdoor attraction, PokéPark Kanto, is opening in Japan’s Yomiuriland amusement park in 2026. It will include two areas—Sedge Town and Pokémon Forest—offering interactive exhibits and themed environments. Ticket sales will begin later this year.
The Nintendo Pokémon Presents showcase highlighted an ambitious roadmap of games and media designed to keep fans engaged across platforms. From new console titles to mobile events and television spin-offs, the Pokémon universe is set to expand even further in the coming months.
LEGO confirms first Speed Champions set for 2026: Lightning McQueen.
Release coincides with the 20th anniversary of Pixar’s Cars.
Unusual for the theme: no minifigure included.
The first 2026 reveal
LEGO has confirmed its first Speed Champions set for 2026, taking the theme in an unexpected direction. Set 77255 Lightning McQueen celebrates the 20th anniversary of Disney and Pixar’s Cars (released 28 July 2006) and marks the first time the theme has focused on a fictional, animated vehicle.
The build consists of 270 pieces and features the franchise’s red racing hero, complete with printed details and stickers, as well as an anniversary logo on the box.
A shift for Speed Champions
The release follows a year of Formula 1–focused sets but breaks new ground by presenting a character car without any accompanying minifigure. Aside from small polybag builds, it is the first Speed Champions set to omit a minifigure entirely.
McQueen’s signature smile and sponsor decals are recreated using a mix of stickers and possible printed elements, such as tyres and wheel arches — though LEGO has not yet confirmed which are printed.
Price and release date
Set 77255 Lightning McQueen is available to pre-order worldwide at £22.99 / $27.99 / €27.99, with a release date of 1 January 2026. The price point suggests that Speed Champions sets in the US will continue the price increases seen in 2025.
What’s next for 2026?
At present, Lightning McQueen is the only Speed Champions set officially confirmed for 2026. However, several others are listed for release early next year, including a Bugatti Vision GT, a Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale, a McLaren W1, and a Back to the Future Time Machine. At least one more film-inspired vehicle is also rumoured, hinting that Speed Champions may be steering towards more cinematic tie-ins alongside its traditional supercar line-up.
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The Mass Effect series has been in flux since 2017’s underwhelming Andromeda
Hollow Knight: Silksong finally released after years of silence.
Other long-announced titles remain missing in action.
Some may never see the light of day, while others still hold faint hope.
A Post-Silksong World
When Hollow Knight: Silksong was first announced in 2019, many fans doubted it would ever launch. Years of silence fuelled speculation that it was doomed to become vapourware. Against all odds, the long-awaited sequel finally arrived this year, quickly becoming one of 2025’s biggest releases.
Its success has reignited discussion around other long-delayed projects — games teased years ago but still nowhere to be seen. While some might eventually surface, others appear trapped in development limbo.
Tomb Raider
It has been nearly five years since the next Tomb Raider game was first confirmed, and Crystal Dynamics has yet to show anything concrete.
While the brand continues through Netflix’s animated series and an upcoming Amazon live-action adaptation, fans have been left without a new mainline game. Even the official Tomb Raider channels have offered only vague teases, often pointing to cameos rather than a new adventure.
Tekken X Street Fighter
Announced more than a decade ago, this fighting game crossover has faced constant uncertainty. In 2021, reports claimed the project was cancelled, only for Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada to clarify it was merely “on pause.”
Given how busy both Capcom and Bandai Namco are maintaining Street Fighter and Tekken, it seems increasingly unlikely that this collaboration will ever materialise. One-off guest character crossovers now provide an easier alternative.
BioShock 4
Six years after 2K announced BioShock 4, development remains troubled. Reportedly, internal progress failed to impress executives, leading to major team changes and overhauls.
Although Take-Two insists the game will eventually release — with former Diablo lead Rod Fergusson brought in to steady development — a launch still feels many years away. By then, the series risks fading from cultural relevance.
Mass Effect 4
The Mass Effect series has been in flux since 2017’s underwhelming Andromeda. BioWare teased the next entry in 2020, but updates since have been scarce.
With BioWare hit by repeated layoffs and EA disappointed by the performance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, expectations for a timely and polished return remain low. While a release seems inevitable, there are concerns it may lean heavily into live service mechanics.
Dragon Quest 12
Dragon Quest 11 was a rare global hit for Square Enix, yet its follow-up remains shrouded in mystery. First announced in 2021 with only a logo and promises of a darker tone, little else has been revealed.
Reports suggest the tonal shift has complicated development, mirroring the mixed reception to Final Fantasy 16. Meanwhile, Kingdom Hearts 4 — revealed later — has shown more visible progress.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake
The remake of BioWare’s classic RPG was announced with fanfare in 2021 but has since faced a troubled journey. Initially handed to Aspyr, best known for ports rather than major projects, the game soon ran into difficulties.
Saber Interactive has since taken over, but with multiple projects already on its plate, concerns remain that KOTOR could be abandoned. Sony has reportedly distanced itself from the project, raising further doubts.
Beyond Good & Evil 2
Perhaps the most infamous case of development hell, Beyond Good & Evil 2 has been in limbo since its reveal in 2017. Once positioned as Ubisoft’s big prestige project, updates gradually dwindled, with little sign of meaningful progress.
The game has lost multiple directors — one tragically passing away in 2023 — and rarely appears in Ubisoft’s financial briefings. After so long, many fans have simply lost faith that it will ever release.
The successful launch of Silksong proves that sometimes patience pays off. But for every game that escapes development hell, there are others that may never reach players. Whether fans will still be waiting when they finally arrive is another question entirely.
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Players have until 1 September to add August’s lineup
September’s PlayStation Plus lineup features Psychonauts 2, Stardew Valley and Viewfinder.
All three games will be available to members from 2 September.
August’s titles — Lies of P, DayZ and My Hero One’s Justice 2 — can be added until 1 September.
Three new games arrive in September
PlayStation Plus members will have access to three new titles next month: Psychonauts 2, Stardew Valley and Viewfinder. The games will be available to download from 2 September.
Psychonauts 2 (PS4)
Players step into the shoes of Razputin “Raz” Aquato, a young psychic acrobat who joins the international organisation of psychic spies known as the Psychonauts. In this platform-adventure, Raz must uncover conspiracies, investigate a mole inside headquarters and face a murderous psychic villain. The game mixes quirky humour, inventive level design and customisable psychic powers.
Stardew Valley (PS4)
The much-loved farming simulator returns, inviting players to restore their grandfather’s rundown farm. Starting with basic tools and limited resources, players can build crops, raise animals, mine, fish and become part of the local community. With freedom to craft your own story, Stardew Valley blends farming, friendship and exploration in a cosy, relaxing experience.
Viewfinder (PS4, PS5)
This first-person puzzle adventure uses a unique instant camera mechanic to reshape reality. Players can bring sketches, paintings, photos and postcards to life, altering environments to solve puzzles and uncover mysteries hidden within its vibrant world.
Last chance for August titles
Players have until 1 September to add August’s lineup — Lies of P, DayZ and My Hero One’s Justice 2 — to their library before they are replaced.
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Players will fight inside Terminid hive worlds with underground tunnels
Helldivers 2: Into the Unjust launches on 2 September.
Players will fight inside Terminid hive worlds with underground tunnels.
New missions include destroying Spore Lungs and drilling for E-710.
Fresh enemy types introduced, including Burrowers and dragon-like roaches.
New “Dust Devils” Warbond arrives 4 September with weapons and gear.
Into the Unjust expansion arrives 2 September
Arrowhead Game Studios has announced Helldivers 2: Into the Unjust, a major update arriving on 2 September. The expansion will allow players to enter the Terminid hive worlds for the first time, diving deep into underground lairs filled with hostile creatures.
According to Arrowhead, the goal is to “take the battle to our enemies’ homes” by exploring massive cave systems and confronting new threats hidden beneath the surface.
New underground missions
The hive environments will feature sprawling tunnel networks, with limited support available once squads enter. “You have to really plan before you go in to get all of your weaponry, because there’s no help from your Super Destroyer once you’re in the caves,” explained level designer Chris Brettman.
Two new operations will be available in these hive worlds:
Destroy Spore Lung – requiring players to transport a Hellbomb Backpack or heavy weaponry to destroy an alien structure.
Mobile oil drill mission – tasking squads with escorting a slow-moving drill to harvest E-710 resources.
Some cave systems will include areas where sunlight filters through, acting as checkpoints for resupplies.
New enemy types revealed
The update introduces several new Terminid variants:
Burrowers, which come in warrior, bile spewer, and charger forms.
Dragon roaches, insect-like creatures capable of breathing napalm.
The trailer also hints at additional surprises, including a vast dust cloud that Arrowhead has not yet explained.
Dust Devils Warbond launching 4 September
In addition to the new missions, a fresh Warbond titled Dust Devils will arrive on 4 September. This update will add new weapons and equipment, including:
AR-2 Coyote incendiary assault rifle
G-7 Pineapple frag grenade
S-11 Speargun
EAT-700 Expendable Napalm rocket launcher
MS-11 Solo Silo, a missile silo built into a hellpod with laser targeting
Players can also expect new armour sets, emotes, banners and cosmetic content as part of the Warbond.
- YouTube YouTube/ HELLDIVERS™ 2
A significant update for players
Into the Unjust marks one of the most substantial updates to Helldivers 2 since its release. By taking combat underground, Arrowhead aims to create new tactical challenges, forcing players to adapt without the support of their Super Destroyer and to deal with a wider variety of enemies.
With the combination of new missions, expanded enemy types, and additional equipment, September is shaping up to be a key month for the game’s community.
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Behind the glamour of streaming lies a demanding workload
Female gamers are increasingly challenging stereotypes in the industry.
Streamer Alyska, with nearly 600,000 followers, plays horror and action titles live.
Women now make up around half of all gamers in the UK.
Communities like Black Girl Gamers are creating safe, inclusive spaces.
The industry is shifting towards more complex female characters in games.
Breaking gaming stereotypes
Video game streamer Alyce Rocha, known online as Alyska, is helping reshape perceptions of women in gaming. Broadcasting to an audience of more than 585,000 followers across platforms, she has turned streaming into her full-time career.
While women are often associated with puzzle and life-simulation titles such as The Sims or Animal Crossing—sometimes grouped under the label “cosy gaming”—Rocha prefers role-playing, action, fantasy and horror games.
“I used to hate horror games,” she told BBC Woman’s Hour. “But my audience loved to see me suffer, so I played more and more, and now I love them.”
A growing presence
According to the UK games industry census, women now make up about half of all gamers. However, the streaming sector still skews heavily male. Rocha has seen female viewership in her own audience climb to around 10%—a small but notable rise.
She says part of her role is proving that women enjoy more than just “cosy” genres. “I’ve been gaming since I was a child. Back then, I didn’t know any other girls who played games. Now it’s easy to find communities and female streamers to connect with.”
The business of streaming
Behind the glamour of streaming lies a demanding workload. Rocha streams six hours a day, seven days a week—recently scaled back from 12-hour sessions—while also handling administrative tasks.
Her income comes from platform subscriptions, advertising revenue and brand partnerships. Yet companies like Twitch take a significant share, with the platform keeping half of standard broadcast earnings.
The pressure reflects the booming global industry: video games now generate more revenue than music, TV and film combined, with UK revenue projected to hit £13.7 billion this year.
Changing representation in games
As more women assert their place in gaming, the industry is evolving too. Overly sexualised female characters are being replaced by more nuanced portrayals.
Titles such as The Last of Us Part II feature layered female leads like Ellie, while narrative-driven games including Life is Strange explore themes of identity, body image and adolescence. Writers such as Halley Gross have helped shape these more authentic representations.
Communities for women gamers
Alongside high-profile streamers, grassroots communities are growing. Black Girl Gamers, founded in 2015, has expanded into a global network of over 10,000 members.
For many, the group offers friendship, solidarity and an escape from everyday pressures. “It’s a whole universe of people who just get it,” member Deanne said. “It gives you a calmer mindset.”
The network also provides a buffer against the toxic side of gaming culture. Members share experiences of misogynistic or racist abuse in online lobbies, with some opting to mute interactions, while others confront offenders directly. A private Discord “venting channel” allows women to share frustrations safely.
More than a hobby
For players like Rocha and groups like Black Girl Gamers, gaming is more than entertainment—it is a source of connection, empowerment and emotional support.
As a community member, Iesha explained: “Gaming has helped me through tough times, including family loss and grief. Some games let you experience emotions in gentle ways, and sharing that journey makes all the difference.”