Konami’s eFootball 2022 launches this month, but will be extremely limited

Konami has revealed the release date of its next free title, eFootball 2022. The company has announced that its replacement for the Pro Evolution Soccer series will be released on September 30, although it should be noted that the game will be limited in terms of functionality. like game modes until a post-launch update this fall.

Konami announced that eFootball 2022 will provide users with a “taste of what to expect from the new free football simulation platform” when it launches for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X / S, Xbox One and PC on April 30. September. The game will receive its first major update later this fall, which will coincide with the launch of eFootball 2022 on iOS and Android devices.

Some fans may be disappointed with the release of the title, although Konami has previously said that it is “ basically a demo. ” EFootball’s offline mode, for example, will only contain nine teams and six stadiums when it launches. While those teams include teams like Barcelona, ​​Juventus and Arsenal, many may be disappointed that after a busy transfer window, teams like PSG, Manchester City and Real Madrid cannot be played in mode when the game comes out. We had previously heard that the launch version of the game will also be missing some in-game mechanics.

Konami has also said that the game will launch with cross-generation matchmaking online. However, until a later update, it appears that online play will be delivered through weekly online events that fans can enter using pre-set equipment to earn rewards like GP, an in-game currency earned through play.

It seems like the game’s first major post-launch update should add a much greater range of content to the title. In particular, it will introduce a creative teams mode to the game. Per Konami’s description, fans should see a number of team customization features added through the new mode.

In Creative Teams, Konami says you can “sign footballers and coaches who match your favorite formations and tactics, and then train and empower them to play against players from all over the world.” Fans will also be able to “target the signings they covet the most, making team building more accessible” and will be able to “choose a base team from one of the more than 600 authorized clubs in the game.” Creative Teams will debut alongside the eFootball Creative League, where players can compete against each other, bid on promotion, and seek to become the best in the world.

Creative Teams isn’t the only additional content released with the update. Additional ways to play will be coming after launch, including a 1v1 lobby, quick online matches, and Tour and Challenge Event modes. Performance-related player types will also make their appearance at this point, from the addition of trendy players who have recently had impressive performances on the field to legendary figures who have had notable seasons. Each new player can be signed through in-game contracts earned through GP or through eFootball Coins, the game’s premium currency.

In that regard, it is probably important to note that the fall update of eFootball will also introduce the new monetization model of the platform. While the term ‘monetization model’ is always likely to draw attention to the ears of any fan base, Konami promises that its new model is “rebalanced to ensure that all players can reach the same potential, regardless of how they acquire on. the game elements “. As part of the model, eFootball will feature a Match Pass that seeks to reward players with items after they have played certain types of matches. In addition to the standard Match Pass, the game will also include an ‘Advantage Match Pass’ that fans can purchase for better rewards.

The producer of the eFootball series, Seitaro Kimura, spoke about the current installment of eFootball. “Since ‘eFootball’ is the name of our overall platform, eFootball 2022 is the official title of our first season of content,” said Kimura. “Platform updates will bring new functionality, such as cross-platform matchmaking and mobile controller support, will happen frequently over the next few months and will always be free. Future content and game mode updates will be offered to players as options. free or premium. We look forward to the players coming onto the field and receiving their feedback. “

Jared Moore is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow it on Twitter.