
eFootball is a soccer simulation game created and released by Konami. Launched in September 2021, it represents a major change for the Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series. Konami rebranded the series as eFootball, moved to a free-to-play format, and adopted a new game engine, Unreal Engine.
Players will have control over the power of their kicks and the speed of their dribbles, ranging from a gentle nudge to a full sprint, just like in real football. On PlayStation 5, eFootball will utilize the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to give players a tangible sense of each movement. With more control over trapping the ball, every moment on the pitch becomes a test of skill and strategy. A variety of dribbling techniques and body fakes are now available through intuitive controls, ensuring that every one-on-one battle is thrilling for both sides. Defenders can block an opponent’s shot by diving in or anticipating the kick and intercepting the pass. Stealing the ball near the opponent’s goal opens up great scoring chances. eFootball brings back the crucial element of "physical defense" from real football, using a dedicated charge command for defenders. Meanwhile, attackers can also use their bodies to shield the ball, making both offense and defense more dynamic and realistic. A new "sharp kick" option, complete with fresh animations, adds a technical and thrilling layer to the game. Players can now execute special kicks like sharp crosses, quick aerial passes, and rising shots. These moves require more time to perform, so players must pick the perfect moment during the match. The eFootball development team studied real-world football strategies to design a new set of "1vs1" win/lose rules. Using Motion Matching technology, the game assesses the ball position, movement speed, body orientation, and physical strength in real-time to influence player actions. These rules work together with player movement to create a more realistic experience, including updated foul decisions. Team playing styles are essential in football, so the AI for off-the-ball players has been overhauled. Combined with the new attacking and defending mechanics, players have more freedom to play their own way. The new “Duel” camera zooms in during one-on-one situations, letting players experience the action up close. When in open play, the camera widens, giving players a better view to make accurate long passes. The enhanced Motion Matching animation system delivers smoother and more natural player motion. Ball physics have also been improved through collaboration with a research institute. Lastly, the Seamless Restart system ensures the game remains fast-paced with no interruptions during play.
| PC | September 30, 2021 |
| XONE | September 30, 2021 |
| PS4 | September 30, 2021 |
| PS5 | September 30, 2021 |
| Series X|S | September 30, 2021 |
| Audio | Subtitles | Interface | |
|---|---|---|---|
| English (US) | ✓ | ✓ |