When is eFootball 2022 coming out and what content will it include?
The first edition of the new title from Konami is released later this month with a complete overhaul from the Pro Evolution Soccer series that went before it.
Konami have announced that their new flagship soccer game, eFootball 2022, will be available to play on 30 September 2021.
The online-only title replaces the iconic Pro Evolution Soccer series that has competed with EA’s FIFA games for the past three decades. The initial launch of eFootball will be available to download on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5; Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One; as well as Windows 10 and PC Steam.
The game will be free-to-play but the initial release will be something of a demo version with a limited number of teams and game modes available to players. Here’s what we know about eFootball 2022’s launch content…
Which teams will be on eFootball from the launch?
In the past, Konami’s football offerings have been favoured by some for their more exciting gameplay but have been let down by their lack of official licenses for teams and leagues. However for the launch of eFootball players will be able to play with nine fully authentic clubs and six highly-detailed stadiums.
Clubs: FC Barcelona, FC Bayern Munich, Juventus, Manchester United, Arsenal FC, SC Corinthians Paulista, CR Flamengo, CA River Plate, São Paulo FC
Stadiums: Camp Nou, Old Trafford, Allianz Stadium, Emirates Stadium, Allianz Arena, eFootball Stadium
To begin with players will have the choice between offline matches against the AI or a friend, and weekly online events pitting them against players from all around the world. Online competitions will be cross-generational and played using pre-set teams.
Later in the autumn Konami will expand that initial offering to provide more game modes, both online and offline. Creative Teams will be available as a free update which will let players build a squad with their own player and train them to compete against the best in the world.
Additional game modes added in the future will give players the choice of over 600 fully licensed clubs and teams to challenge their friends, both online and offline.
What to expect from eFootball gameplay
The PES series always prided itself on its gameplay and Konami hope to bring that reputation into the new game. In a press release, eFootball promises innovative new technology which “converts the vast range of movements that players make on the pitch into a series of animations, selecting the most accurate one in real-time”.
Series producer, Seitaro Kimura, explains: “Starting with the strong foundations of Unreal Engine, which has allowed us to massively overhaul player expression, we’ve made a number of modifications to virtually create a new football game engine that will power eFootball for years to come.”
New introductions like Sharp Kicks promises to give players more choice in how they play the ball, while the new 1v1 Duels allow you to perform spectacular tricks to embarrass your opponent and create sensational goals.