Pro Evolution Soccer will become ‘eFootball’ in free-to-play shift

Konami’s cult Pro Evolution Soccer sequence is making an attempt a brand new tactic in its limitless duel in opposition to FIFA. To face out from its larger rival, the soccer franchise is adopting a brand new identify, eFootball, and going free-to-play on consoles, PC and cellular. 

Clearly, this is not a one-off. Konami has rebuilt the sport utilizing Unreal engine as a part of the shift to offering a digital service. The most important change to gameplay is the brand new “movement matching” know-how designed to make participant animations extra reasonable. Players will select from completely different actions in real-time throughout matches. Seeing as the unique Professional Evo’s gameplay is what helped to tell apart it from FIFA, movement matching might show a make or break function.

As you’d anticipate from an F2P title, eFootball will often obtain new updates after its launch this fall. Konami must tread with care, nonetheless. Free-to-play video games have attracted the ire of gamers and regulators alike on account of their exploitative nature, finest summed up by loot boxes that price actual cash to acquire. The very last thing the storied developer desires is to sully Professional Evo’s identify. Perhaps, that is why it is altering it. 

However, the information will in all probability increase alarm bells for followers. Konami stated that solely “native matches” that includes FC Barcelona, Juventus, FC Bayern, Manchester United “and others” might be obtainable free of charge at launch. Whereas, sure recreation modes will later be bought as elective DLC, “giving gamers the liberty to construct an expertise” that matches their pursuits. It is a main threat that Konami is banking on to revive the franchise as an everyday function in dorms and residing rooms world wide. 

The sport will land in early fall with cross-generation matchmaking between present and last-gen PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Later within the fall, you possibly can anticipate a managerial-style crew constructing mode, on-line leagues, and a match move system that rewards you with objects and gamers. On the similar time, cross-platform play might be launched between consoles and PC. The winter will see the discharge of cellular controller help, full cross-play together with cellular and the launch {of professional} and beginner eSports tournaments.