New ‘PES’ Title Announced With Massive Changes: Name Change, Free-To-Play & More

Today, Konami released an announcement trailer today for eFootball, the rebranded name for the Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series. The game was also revealed to be free-to-play and cross-play compatible. The trailer was shared on the eFootball YouTube page.

The game will be available in fall 2021 for Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One and PC. Android and IOS support will also be available in the future. Crossplay will be available across all systems in the “near future” according to Konami’s website.

Konami will switch to Unreal engine for the first time in series history. Since 2015, the PES series has utilized the Fox Engine from Konami. This was an engine originally created for the Metal Gear franchise of games.

This new engine allowed Konami to create a one on one system through a technology they call motion matching. “Motion Matching involves a massive range of animations showing just how players react differently depending on factors such as running speed and ball position,” details the trailer. This feature will allow players to get have a realistic experience during intense moments in-game.

The trailer featured all-time Soccer great Lionel Messi alongside FC Barcelona’s Andrés Iniesta Gerard Pique. These players acted as official advisors to Konami during the development process. “Their input will surely take the element of one-on-one in eFootball to an all new level” the trailer reports.

Konami also revealed a roadmap for eFootball. This roadmap says that an the game will be released in early autumn, and will allow for Local Matches with clubs such as Juventus, FC Barcelona and Manchester United. Juventus is notable, as Konami recently acquired exclusive rights to portray the club in their soccer video game. Players will also be able to participate in cross-generation matches between Playstation 4 and 5 and Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One.

In the fall, Konami will release online leagues, a team Building mode, cross-platform Matches for PC/consoles and a “Match Pass System.” The winter will bring eSports tournaments, mobile support for cross-platform play and mobile controller support.