Update 15 July 2020:

Konami has clarified (via IGN) that despite the use of the phrase “season update”, PES 2021 will still be a standalone game, albeit released at a lower price than previous entries.

PES 2021 will not simply be an update or paid DLC update to eFootball PES 2020. While no more details were provided, it’s safe to assume that PES 2021 will likely be almost the same game as eFootball PES 2020, albeit with an updated roster and kit update.

Konami has just announced a shocking development for fans of football games and the eFootball PES franchise in particular. They have revealed that we won’t be getting a full eFootball PES 2021 this year, as they will be focusing on making an upgraded title for next-gen consoles powered by the Unreal Engine (replacing the previous Fox Engine).

In a blog update, Konami said that we should expect “more realistic player models, animations, enhanced physics, and photorealistic visuals”, as well as “new myClub and Master League content” from the next-gen PES title.

However, doing all that and developing a new PES title from the ground up using Unreal Engine instead of the Fox Engine means that there won’t be a full PES 2021 game. Instead, gamers will have to settle for “streamlined offering” in the form of a “season update”, likely for the existing 2019’s eFootball PES 2020.

Just to make clear:

PES 2021 will be a season update and not a full sequel

PES 2022 will be the next big title that is built with UE

Sorry for any confusion

— Nibel (@Nibellion) July 15, 2020

Konami is promising that this year’s PES “season update” will “launch at an affordable anniversary price and will also come with several bonuses”, which means that players will still have to pay for it despite already owning eFootball PES 2020.

Last but not least, Konami is planning to release the new next-gen PES sometime in late 2021, presumably for all current platforms with the addition of PS5 and Xbox Series X.

In the meantime, check out the trailer below, showcasing FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVuYuU4JQL8&w=560&h=315]