Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 has netted the official gaming rights to the UEFA Champions League as well as the rights for Manchester United and Liverpool FC. Is this the beginning of the end for the FIFA franchise?
EA originally had the rights to the competition, but Konami will now use it for a new PES 2009 mode.
“This deal showcases our commitment to taking PES 2009 forward in terms of licenses and realism,” Konami president Kunio Neo said of the deal. “The UEFA Champions League is the jewel in the club competition crown, and is just one of many innovations we have lined up for the new game.”
And it looks like the deal is Konami’s to keep; UEFA seems pretty pleased with the new deal.
“We are delighted that PES 2009 will feature the UEFA Champions League and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Konami,” said a UEFA spokesperson.
The deal with Man U and Liverpool mean they’ll no longer be called “Man Red” and “Merseyside Red.” It’s a real coup for Pro Evo fans with a love/hate relationship with PES because of a lack of licenses.
FIFA might have the unique player updates but this match may have just swung Konami’s way.
