FIFA 22 vs eFootball 2022: what licenses will each title have?
The new offerings from EA Sports and Konami will be out in the coming weeks, but will the revamped PES series manage to compete with FIFA's realism?
Each year the battle between the two stalwarts of football gaming, EA’s FIFA series and Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer, has divided gamers but in recent years FIFA had appeared to move clear of the once popular PES.
However after a three-decade rivalry, Konami is moving away from the old title and replacing it with eFootball. The rebranded franchise will be free-to-play on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, as well as a whole host of other formats.
But what will the new game be like, and will it be able to compete with the super-realistic FIFA series?
FIFA continues to lead the way with licensing
As you would guess from its name borrowed from the sport’s governing body, the FIFA series of games has always prided itself on authenticity and this year’s offering is no different. The game boasts over 17,000 real-life players from over 700 teams all around the world. Not only that, but with over 90 meticulously recreated stadiums and full licenses for more than 30 leagues it offers the most true-to-life footballing experience anywhere.
Adding to the spectacle is full licensing for elite competitions like the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Super Cup. To add to the realism, authentic broadcast packages and branding captures the experience of watching a real game.
Not content with capturing licenses for the biggest names in the modern game, FIFA Ultimate Team also gives access to 100 of best players from history. From Pelé and Maradona to Cantona and Zidane, all the greats are in one place.
eFootball boasts high profile names ahead of launch
As was the case with the PES series, Konami is not too concerned with securing the rights for every single player and team, and is instead focusing on creating the ultimate gaming experience for football fans.
But despite being available to play for free, eFootball have snared some elite clubs and big players ahead of the game’s release. When the game goes live on 30 September players will be able to use fully licensed versions of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Manchester United, Arsenal, Corinthians, Flamengo, Sao Paulo and River Plate.
All nine clubs will be a playable option in the ‘Local Match’ mode from launch, while ‘Partner Clubs’ like Roma, Lazio, Napoli, Celtic, Rangers and Schalke are expected to be introduced in the coming months. However it remains to be seen if players will have to pay to access these additional teams.
Another major coup for Konami was agreeing a deal with Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar to become an eFootball ambassador, joining new teammate Lionel Messi as the game's two flagship players.
eFootball does not boast the breadth of league licenses that FIFA does, but players will have access to a number of top competitions. The Konami title lets gamers compete in UEFA Euro 2020, Italian Serie A and B and French Ligue 1 and 2; as well as the top flight in Portugal, Turkey, Russia, Holland, Belgium and Scotland.