eFootball: The New Era of Digital Football Gaming

⚽ 1. What is eFootball?

eFootball is a free-to-play football video game developed and published by Konami, known for creating the classic Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series.

• The PES franchise launched in 2001 and was a major competitor to EA Sports’ FIFA series for nearly two decades.

• In 2021, Konami discontinued the PES branding and launched a brand-new football simulation experience under the name eFootball.

💡 2. Why the Shift from PES to eFootball?

Konami wanted to shift from the traditional annual release model to a live-service platform, where one base game would be continuously updated instead of releasing a new version each year.

• Free-to-play model: eFootball is free to download and play, with optional in-game purchases.

• Cross-platform support: Available on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and mobile devices.

• The game aims to build a unified competitive environment across all platforms.

🚀 3. Initial Release & Backlash (eFootball 2022)

• Released: September 2021

• Major criticisms included:

  • Poor graphics and character models

  • Numerous bugs and glitches

  • Broken animations and clunky controls

  • Lack of core modes (like Master League)

• eFootball 2022 quickly became one of the lowest-rated games on Steam at launch.

🔄 4. Rebuilding the Game (eFootball 2023 – 2025)

✅ Continuous Improvements:

• eFootball 2023 & 2024 introduced gameplay balancing, graphical upgrades, and smoother animations.

• eFootball 2025, released in September 2024, added:

  • Improved dribbling, shooting, and tactical controls

  • The new “Link-up Play” system for better team coordination

  • Custom stadiums and kits for more personalization

  • Enhanced defensive AI and set-piece mechanics

🛠️ Technical Features:

• Smarter matchmaking and anti-cheat systems

• UI overhaul and easier navigation

• A new Campaign Hub system replacing older seasonal rewards

• Additional language support (e.g., Thai)

😟 5. Ongoing Issues & Player Complaints

Despite improvements, players continue to report:

• Control issues during certain modes (can’t switch between AI and manual control)

• Buggy objectives and skill management errors

• A strong pay-to-win element – powerful players often require real-money purchases

• Absence of classic modes like Master League or Become a Legend

• AI defenders are too overpowered, making gameplay feel robotic at times

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 6. Community Reactions

• Mixed reviews: Some players appreciate the progress, while others feel it’s still behind PES standards.

• Content creators and influencers have both praised and criticized Konami for slow updates and aggressive monetization.

• The fanbase continues to demand a return to deeper tactical gameplay, like in PES 2013 and PES 2017.

🔮 7. What’s Next for eFootball?

• Konami has announced plans to reintroduce Master League and other legacy modes as paid DLC in the future.

• Regular patches will continue to refine balance, fix bugs, and expand features.

• The biggest challenge lies in regaining trust and delivering a balanced, fair, and engaging football simulation experience for all players — both casual and competitive.

✅ Conclusion

eFootball is a bold attempt by Konami to redefine the football gaming landscape. While its initial steps were shaky and full of criticism, steady updates and new features are helping the game evolve. Still, for eFootball to truly succeed, it must listen to its community, balance monetization, and deliver a football experience that captures the magic of its PES legacy.