Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) Game Series

Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) is a football simulation video game series developed and published globally by Konami. First released in 2001, the series is known for its focus on simulating the technical aspects of football. Known in Japan as "Winning Eleven," the game transitioned to a free-to-play digital model in 2021 under the new name "eFootball."

Development History

The origins of PES trace back to the 1995 game Goal Storm, which is regarded as the first entry in Konami’s "Winning Eleven" series in Japan. In the late 1990s, Konami developed a more targeted structure for the European and American markets, introducing the name "Pro Evolution Soccer" for the first time in 2001. From 2001 to 2013, the PES series gained recognition for its technical gameplay, tactical options, and fluid mechanics.

The series was released with updated annual editions. Starting with PES 2014, a new graphics engine called Fox Engine was adopted. However, as of 2021, the series transitioned to the Unreal Engine and was rebranded as "eFootball" as part of its digital transformation.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 Game Cover Art (Generated by artificial intelligence.)

Gameplay Features

The most distinctive feature of the PES series is its realistic simulation of on-field gameplay. The game mechanics consist of the following systems:

• PASS SYSTEM: Manual and automatic passing options with variable pass quality based on ball speed and angle.
• SHOOTING MECHANICS: Shooting systems that reflect the weight and physical response of the ball. Long-range shots, ground passes, and headers exhibit realistic dynamics.
• BALL CONTROL: Player dribbling animations vary according to fatigue and fitness levels.
• ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI): Enhanced by detailed elements such as defensive line positioning, attacking players’ off-the-ball movement, and goalkeeper reflexes.

Each iteration introduced incremental improvements, and over time, systems such as one-on-one collision engines, real-time tactical adjustments, and natural player movements were added.

Licenses and Teams

One of the most controversial aspects of PES’s history has been its licensing policies. Compared to the FIFA series, PES has had more limited official licenses, including some leagues and clubs with authentic branding while using fictional names and emblems for others. Examples include:

• Officially licensed teams: FC Barcelona, Juventus (in some editions), Manchester United, Arsenal.
• Fictional team names: "Man Red" (instead of Manchester United), "London FC" (instead of Chelsea).

However, through PES’s Edit Mode feature, players can manually update team names, logos, kits, and player names.

Pro Evolution Soccer/eFootball 2023 Gameplay Art (Generated by artificial intelligence.)

Game Modes

The PES series supports both single-player and online modes through various gameplay options:

• Master League: A career mode where players assume the role of a team manager, managing transfer budgets, youth development, and training schedules. Can be played with real or fictional managers such as Zico and Cruyff.
• Become a Legend: Players control only one footballer’s career, starting from youth level, progressing through transfers, form peaks, and potential national team selection.
• MyClub: Similar to FIFA Ultimate Team, players build squads using player cards and compete against online opponents. Includes management systems, fitness cards, and skill training features.
• Online Co-op and Matchday: Team-based modes playable with up to three players in online matches.

Technical Advancements

Advancements in graphics engines have significantly impacted PES’s visual quality:

• Fox Engine (2014–2020): Introduced with PES 2014, this engine delivered more detailed facial modeling, real-time lighting, and environmental effects. However, performance issues were reported in some versions.
• Unreal Engine (2021–): Adopted with eFootball, this engine provides cross-platform support, more detailed facial animations, and enhanced stadium atmosphere. While early versions faced technical criticism, continuous updates have led to ongoing improvements.

Rebranding: eFootball

After PES 2021, Konami abandoned its traditional annual release model and continued under the new brand "eFootball" in 2021. This transition included the following elements:

• Free-to-play structure.
• Seasonal content updates.
• Cross-platform support (console, PC, mobile).
• A new microtransaction system.

However, this transition was met with negative reception from both users and critics due to content shortages, low graphical quality, and gameplay issues at launch.

"Pro Evolution Soccer" and its New Name "eFootball" Logos (Generated by artificial intelligence.)

Community and Modding

PES has a strong modding community, particularly among PC players. Using various tools, players can:

• Integrate real kits and logos into the game.
• Add authentic stadiums and crowd atmospheres.
• Improve player faces, hairstyles, and animations.

Communities also organize unofficial tournaments and custom leagues through patch files.

Criticism and Competition

In the early 2000s, PES was regarded as the unrivaled leader in football simulation. However, EA Sports’ FIFA series gradually gained dominance through its superior licensing power, marketing strategies, and technological investments. Critics have consistently praised PES for its tactical depth and sense of control, while criticizing its user interface, content breadth, and online stability.