Konami signs Juventus FC exclusively for eFootball PES

Konami has signed a new “long-term” and exclusive partnership with Juventus FC to feature the Italian champions’ intellectual property in its eFootball PES console games.

Juventus said the deal grants Konami exclusive rights to use the team name, the crest and official kits, which will be featured in September release eFootball PES 2020.

Konami will also be granted exclusive access to the Allianz Stadium in order to recreate it as accurately as possible, and access to Juventus players via full-body 3D scans, although importantly the team’s real-world players won’t be exclusive to eFootball PES.

The announcement follows the end of Juventus FC’s long-running partnership with EA Sports, which explained on its website what the move means for rival football game FIFA 20, also due for release in September.

Instead of including Juventus, FIFA 20 will introduce Piemonte Calcio as a new playable team with a custom badge and kit.

Piemonte Calcio will include real-world Juventus players like Cristiano Ronaldo, their chemistry within FIFA 20 Ultimate Team will be unaffected by the changes, and squad ratings will still be updated based on real-world performances.

Konami rebranded its football franchise this year, adding ‘eFootball’ to the title in a bid to highlight its growing focus on the esports market. Additionally, the company hopes the new product name will benefit the series in Europe.

It will launch an eFootball PES 2020 demo on July 30 for PS4, Xbox One and PC.

• Related: EA details FIFA 20 gameplay changes