Game news More than 750 million downloads later, this FIFA competitor is finally doing well
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It's sometimes difficult to be successful when a giant takes over all the pieces of the pie. We then tried to change the recipe: a double or double initiative which earned this FIFA competitor a catastrophic launch. But this one seems to be slowly going back up the slope.
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A number of downloads equivalent to 10% of the world population
In a press release dedicated to the press, the Konami studio suggests that it is on the right track for its eFootball video game. This is the new formula of the license known as the former Pro Evolution Soccer (PES), which became free-to-play in September 2021. The studio celebrated 750 million downloads last week:
Thank you for 7️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ MILLION Downloads #eFootball fans! 💙💛
To celebrate, we've launched a new in-game campaign offering some top quality rewards! 👇
Log in now to receive a FREE Highlight Robert Lewandowski, and take part in the celebration campaigns. Don't miss out! pic.twitter.com/hAmKX8pOsz
— eFootball (@play_eFootball) April 25, 2024
Thanks for 750 MILLION downloads!
To celebrate such a score, Konami has launched a new campaign offering some in-game rewards. In addition to various resources such as experience and credits, FC Barcelona player Robert Lewandowski is also given to players who take part in the celebrations. In the wake of this operation, it is Lionel Messi who is also highlighted. The game ambassador looks back on three iconic moments from his career (December 13, 2022; May 6, 2015; May 27, 2009) also available in-game.
750 million is a hell of a number. Especially when it comes to download numbers. And even more so when we know about the troubled launch of eFootball PES. Probably aware of its repeated defeat against Electronic Arts and its FIFA (now EA Sports FC), the Japanese studio Konami tried to turn the tide of the game by swapping its paid formula (video game sold every year) for a free-to-play available on multiple consoles. Mobiles included.
A risk-taking which frankly does not pay off at the beginning and it is even an understatement to say so. When it launches in 2022, it displays an average rating of 25/100 on the rating aggregator Metacritic. No better on Steam with, at the time, 26,000 reviews on Steam which were overall extremely negative. Enough to earn him the title of flop of the year. So today, it seems that eFootball is doing better. This is evidenced by these 750 million downloads and a Metacritic rating which is getting better but which remains in the red.