Since its rebranding from PES to eFootball in 2021, Konamiâs football simulation has been both celebrated and criticized. While the series has built a loyal following over the years, its transition to a free-to-play model, alongside constant updates, has sparked some of the biggest controversies in eFootball history.
From launch-day disasters to heated debates over pay-to-win mechanics, the gameâs journey has been filled with both triumphs and turbulence. In this article, weâll break down the most talked-about controversies, what caused them, and how the community reacted.
1. The Infamous Launch in 2021
Perhaps the most notorious controversy in eFootballâs history was its initial release in September 2021.
- Broken Graphics: Fans widely shared memes of distorted player faces.
- Buggy Gameplay: Issues with animations, ball physics, and defending were rampant.
- Community Backlash: Steam reviews labeled it one of the worst launches ever.
This rocky start damaged trust, forcing Konami to release multiple patches to stabilize the game.
2. The Free-to-Play Transition
The shift from PES to eFootball as a free-to-play live-service model was controversial:
- Supporters: Believed it made the game more accessible globally.
- Critics: Claimed Konami prioritized monetization over quality.
- Community Debate: Many veteran PES fans felt betrayed by the direction.
3. Pay-to-Win Accusations
With the introduction of Coins for premium players, accusations of âpay-to-winâ spread quickly.
- Legendary/Epic Cards: Available mainly via real-money purchases.
- Unfair Advantage: Paying players gained access to stronger squads earlier.
- F2P vs P2W Divide: Sparked major discussions on Reddit and Twitter.
4. Licensing Battles
eFootballâs approach to licenses has often been controversial:
- Konami secured exclusive rights to Juventus, Roma, and Atalanta, frustrating FIFA/EA FC fans.
- But critics noted the lack of broad licenses compared to EA Sports FC.
- The split left fans divided: authenticity in some areas, but lacking in others.
5. Gameplay Overhauls
Frequent updates often introduced major gameplay changes:
- One Patch Improves Passing, the next makes it inconsistent.
- Community frequently complained that Konami doesnât listen enough.
- Competitive players especially criticized inconsistency between versions.
6. The GP & Coin Economy
While GP is farmable, many players accused Konami of pushing coins too heavily.
- High GP requirements for contracts frustrated casual players.
- Coin packs often felt overpriced.
- Some events were criticized as âgrind-heavy with little reward.â
7. Community Silence & Communication Issues
Fans have often accused Konami of poor communication:
- Slow responses to bug reports.
- Vague patch notes.
- Limited transparency around esports structures.
The community frequently demanded clearer roadmaps and acknowledgment of issues.
8. Esports Structure
While eFootball is strong in esports, controversies arose over:
- Matchmaking fairness.
- Prize distributions.
- Eligibility requirements that excluded some regions.
Community Reactions
- Memes: Fans created viral memes mocking bugs and faces.
- Petitions: Multiple online petitions demanded fixes and better communication.
- Divided Fanbase: Some remained loyal, others shifted permanently to EA Sports FC.
Conclusion
The biggest controversies in eFootball reveal the struggles of a game trying to balance free-to-play accessibility, competitive depth, and fan expectations. While Konami has improved the game significantly since its rocky launch, the community still holds strong opinions on monetization, licenses, and gameplay changes.
Whatâs clear is that eFootball remains one of the most debated football titles everâproof that its fanbase, despite frustrations, continues to care deeply about the gameâs future.
