eFootball PES 2021 will be a content update for PES 2020 rather than a brand new game, a listing on the Microsoft Store has revealed.
There has been speculation for many months that Konami has decided not to release PES 2021 after a listing for a PES 2021 Content Update appeared on an Australian Classification board. While Konami is yet to officially announce their plans for this year’s game, the Microsoft listing appears to be proof that we won’t be seeing a brand new release this year.
As for the PES 2021 Season Update itself, it’s just that, an update. Presumably, it will update all the game’s leagues, clubs and transfers to ensure that players have an accurate representation for the upcoming season. However, the listing notes that some of the latest data for certain licensed leagues and teams will only be available post-release via an update.
“This product is an updated edition of eFootball PES 2020 (launched in September 2019) containing the latest player data and club rosters. Please note that some leagues will have their rosters updated post-release,” the listing states.
It’s added that some leagues and tournaments may vary slightly from their real-life counterparts given the impact Covid-19 has had on the sport, particularly when it comes to in-game regulations. As noted by Konami, these “may not perfectly match their real-life counterparts.” The update will also come with the UEFA EURO 2020™ mode.
Unfortunately, it appears that the update is purely cosmetic though, with gameplay unlikely to see any major improvements. While it’s possible that Konami will continue to make tweaks through data packs as they have done for PES 2020, the news will disappoint fans who have been left frustrated with the state of the game’s gameplay.
There’s no release date or price yet for the PES 2021 Content Update, although the listing does state that it will be available at a special anniversary price.
Here’s the update’s product overview:
The eFootball PES 2021 Season Update features the same award winning gameplay as last year’s eFootball PES 2020 along with various team and player updates for the new season. Also comes with the UEFA EURO 2020™ mode – all at a special anniversary price!
The update comes in at just over 100mb, and an internet connection is required in order to download it. It’s not clear yet whether or not the Season Update is only available digitally, or if a retail version will be released. In the listing, Konami has highlighted that this year marks the game’s 25th Anniversary, so perhaps we will see a special anniversary release.
At the moment, we don’t know whether or not this was always the plan for PES 2021, or if Konami has been forced into the decision as a result of Covid-19. Either way, it gives them an opportunity to focus on PES 2022, which will be upgraded for the next generation. It’s also rumoured that PES 2022 will feature a new engine. Given how rocky previous engine switches have been for PES, the extra time will hopefully be put to good use.