Konami has announced that the long-running Pro Evolution Soccer series has been replaced with eFootball, a new free-to-play venture from the same developers. eFootball will receive regular content updates and new features, similar to existing live-service games like Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto Online, and Call of Duty: Warzone.
The PES series has featured annual releases since its inception in 1995, making the end of the Pro Evolution Soccer brand bittersweet for many fans. The games aim to create the most realistic soccer experience possible whether by playing as an individual or a team, with competitive matches closely following typical association football rules. The release of 2020's eFootball PES 2021 introduced the "eFootball" name in what was believed to be a move to closer link the series to the esports scene. The longstanding soccer simulation franchise has often been described as a rival to the FIFA series, though it's not yet certain how Konami's eFootball will compare to EA's sporting franchise.
The switch from PES to eFootball was announced by Konami across social media, with an eFootball trailer explaining some of what players can expect from the new venture. The game will utilize a "new football engine, with revamped animation system and game controls" for an all-new soccer simulation experience. As well as featuring overhauled graphics and animations, the free-to-play game will support full crossplay across a range of platforms ranging from PS5 to iOS devices. Konami has revealed a content roadmap for the game, outlining what players can expect from launch, including local matches featuring renowned clubs, cross-generation matches like Xbox One versus Xbox Series X/S, and an esports tournament. According to Konami, eFootball has "gone beyond the border of PES, into a new realm of virtual football."
The news has seen mixed response from players, with lots of concern over the free-to-play model. While the game will be free to download, it will feature ever-controversial microtransactions, though just how heavily they'll be integrated remains to be seen. Despite some hesitance from fans, eFootball is already looking impressive, with the reveal trailer showing off some of the game in action. According to the developer, as well as being highly realistic, the game will have four times as many animations as the last PES title thanks to "Motion Matching" technology. The tech allows the most accurate animation to be selected in real-time, which should create a more immersive gameplay experience.
Konami has confirmed that eFootball will include free matches featuring big names such as Manchester United and FC Barcelona at launch, though players will have to wait a little longer for details on other clubs, modes, and pay models. eFootball is looking primed and ready to tackle the ever-popular esports market, though whether or not it will be a success will have to wait until the game's release this fall.
eFootball will release this fall on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, iOS, and Android.
Source: Konami, eFootball/YouTube