If you’ve been a fan of football simulation games for more than a few years, you’ve probably gone from picking up a new Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) copy every fall to scrolling past eFootball updates in your game library. Many long-time players still ask why is PES called eFootball, especially since the rebrand caused so much mixed reaction when it first launched. We’re breaking down the full story behind the name change, what led Konami to make the shift, and how the new franchise differs from the PES you grew up playing.
Why Is PES Called eFootball? The Core Reasons for the Rebrand
If you’re one of the fans still confused about why is PES called eFootball, the shift to live service is the single biggest answer to that question. For 26 years, PES operated on a standard annual release cycle, with Konami launching a new full-priced game every year with updated rosters, minor gameplay tweaks, and occasional new features. By 2020, the company realized this model was falling behind player expectations, as more gamers preferred continuous, free updates over paying $60 for a new title every 12 months. Konami’s primary goal with the rebrand was to signal a break from the annual PES release cycle that had defined the franchise for 26 years. The company also switched its game engine from the proprietary Fox Engine to Unreal Engine for the new title, which meant a complete overhaul of every part of the game, from graphics to gameplay mechanics. A new name helped communicate that this wasn’t just another PES installment, but a fully new product. The “e” prefix also aligned with Konami’s growing investment in competitive esports, as they wanted to position the game as a leading title in the global competitive football gaming space.
Key Differences Between PES and the Modern eFootball Franchise
The name change wasn’t just a marketing stunt, it came with sweeping changes to how the game is distributed, updated, and played. Many of these changes were direct responses to feedback PES players had been sharing with Konami for years, even if the rollout didn’t go as smoothly as planned. The free-to-play model is the biggest change that came with the eFootball rebrand, making the game accessible to millions of players who couldn’t afford annual PES releases. Instead of paying for a full game upfront, players can download the base eFootball game for free on any supported platform, and only pay for optional content like season passes, cosmetic skins, or premium game modes if they want to. Some of the other core changes that came with the rebrand include:
How Long-Time PES Fans Have Reacted to the eFootball Shift
Plenty of forum threads pop up every month asking why is PES called eFootball, especially from players who haven’t picked up a football sim in a few years. The initial backlash from long-time PES fans was fierce, with many complaining that the new game felt unfinished, and that Konami had abandoned the core audience that made PES a cult favorite. The game had just 8% positive reviews on Steam in its first month of release, making it one of the worst-reviewed games on the platform at the time. Many long-time PES purists still refer to the franchise as PES out of habit, even three years after the official rebrand. But as Konami fixed bugs and added missing features, many fans have warmed up to the new model. The free-to-play structure means you don’t have to convince your friends to buy a $60 game to play together, and cross-platform support means you can squad up with friends no matter what console they own. As of 2024, eFootball has over 600 million registered players globally, which is more than three times the total number of copies the entire PES franchise sold over its 26-year run. I still see people in local gaming groups asking where to buy the new PES every year, so the old name definitely hasn’t faded from public memory completely.
What the Future Holds for the eFootball Franchise
If you’re hoping Konami will bring back the PES name any time soon, you’re probably going to be disappointed. The company has repeatedly stated that eFootball is the permanent name for the franchise moving forward, and they’re continuing to invest heavily in expanding the game’s features and audience. Konami has confirmed they have no plans to bring back the PES name for future installments, so eFootball is here to stay. Upcoming updates include expanded licensed league access, including a new multi-year deal for UEFA Champions League rights that went into effect in 2024. One of the most requested features from fans is a full offline career mode, which Konami has promised to roll out in phases over the next 12 months. They’re also working on deeper integration between console and mobile versions, so you can carry your team progress across devices without starting over. If you’re a former PES fan who hasn’t touched eFootball since the rough 2021 launch, it’s worth giving it another shot now. Most of the early bugs are fixed, the gameplay feels far more polished, and you can try it for free without spending any money upfront.
At the end of the day, the question of why is PES called eFootball boils down to Konami wanting to build a more accessible, future-proof football simulation franchise that fits how people play games today. The rebrand had a rough start, but it’s turned into a far more accessible experience for casual players while still offering the tight, realistic gameplay that made PES a fan favorite for decades. Whether you still call it PES or have fully switched to calling it eFootball, there’s never been a better time to jump into the franchise if you love football games.