Pokemon Go UPDATE: Gym closure times leaked ahead of Fire and Ice event

Pokemon Go gyms will be taken offline ahead of the introduction of new co-operative gameplay features.

Niantic recently announced plans to hold a Fire-type and Ice-type event in Pokemon Go, as well as a fan festival in Chicago.

Pokemon Go's Anniversary celebrations will also include new group-based gameplay features, which are likely to incorporate Raids and Legendary Pokemon.

Unfortunately, however, the introduction of group gameplay features will be preceded by an update that requires Niantic to disable gyms.

Niantic is yet to officially announce when gyms will close, but a new leak suggests it will take place next week.

In an Italian blog post that has since been removed by Niantic, the Pokemon Go developer says that gyms will be disabled on June 16.

According to Heavy, that's the same date mentioned in a Chinese blog post.

This means gyms could be disabled during the Fire and Ice Solstice event, which has a June 13 start date.

The week-long event runs until June 20, and includes XP bonuses for throwing Poke Balls accurately.

Furthermore, players will receive discounted Lucky eggs from the in-game shop.

That's on top of an increase in the number of Fire and Ice Pokemon out in the wild.

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Even more exciting is the announcement of a Pokemon Go fan festival in Chicago.

"We’re also excited to announce our first ever real-world Pokémon GO event coming your way: Pokemon GO Fest Chicago!" reads a Niantic post.

"This event will take place in downtown Chicago, Illinois, USA at the beautiful Grant Park on July 22, 2017.

"Join us as we celebrate the Pokémon GO community with a ton of exciting festivities. Tickets and more information for Pokémon GO Fest Chicago will be available at PokemonGoLive.com/Fest on

Monday, June 19 at 10:00 A.M. PDT."

European fans can expect local events throughout the summer, as Niantic pitches up in Unibail-Rodamco shopping centres.

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