Info about eFootball™:

Official game description:
■ "eFootball™" - An Evolution from "PES"
It's an all-new era of digital soccer: "PES" has now evolved into "eFootball™"! And now you can experience the next generation of soccer gaming with "eFootball™"!
■ Welcoming Newcomers
After downloading, you can learn the basic controls of the game via a step-by-step tutorial that includes practical demonstrations! Complete them all, and receive Lionel Messi!
We have also added the Smart Assist setting to help users enjoy the fun and excitement of playing matches.
Without entering complex commands, get past the opposing defense with a brilliant dribble or pass, then score a goal with a powerful shot.
\[Ways of Playing\]
■Start Off With Your Favorite Team
Whether it's a club or national side from Europe, the Americas, Asia, or elsewhere around the world, begin a new game with the team you support!
■ Sign Players
After creating your team, it's time to get some signings in! From current superstars to soccer legends, sign players and take your team to new heights!
・ Special Player List
Here you can sign special players such as standouts from actual fixtures, players from featured leagues, and legends of the game!
・ Standard Player List
Here you can handpick and sign your favorite players. You can also use the Sort and Filter functions to narrow your search.
・ Manager List
Here you can sign managers who are adept at all sorts of tactical approaches with different Coaching Affinities.
■ Playing Matches
Once you have built a team with your favorite players, it's time to take them to the field.
From testing your skills against the AI, to competing for ranking in Online Matches, enjoy eFootball™ the way you like!
・ Sharpen your skills in VS AI Matches
Enjoy various Events pitting you against clubs from popular leagues or national teams, or featuring different themes based on the current soccer season.
Take on eFootball™ League as well to level up your skills in a division-based format with 10 tiers.
・ Put your strength to the test in User Matches
Have a blast playing real-time matches online through various weekly Events or eFootball™ League, where all users compete for the highest ranking in a division-based format. Lead your very own Dream Team and take aim at the pinnacle of eFootball™ League in Division 1.
・ Max 3 vs 3 matches with friends
Use the Friend Match feature to play against your friends. Show them the true colors of your well-developed team!
Cooperative matches up to 3 vs 3 are also available. Get together with your friends and enjoy some heated soccer action!
■ Player Development
Depending on Player Types, signed players can be further developed.
Level up players by putting them in matches or using in-game items, then spend the Progression Points acquired to increase Player Stats.
In case you prefer to customize a player to fit your personal preferences, you have the option to allocate the Progression Points manually.
When in doubt about how to develop the player, you can use the \[Recommended\] function to automatically allocate his Points.
Develop your players to your exact liking!
\[For More Fun\]
■ Weekly Live Updates
The Live Update is the feature that reflects player transfers and match achievements from soccer in real life.
Take note of the Live Updates released each week, adjust your squad, and make your mark out on the field.
■ Customize a Stadium
Choose your favorite Stadium Elements, such as Tifos and Giant Props, and watch them appear at your stadium during the matches you play.
Add color to the game by arranging your stadium however you like!
\*Users with one of the following nations as their Country/Region of Residence will not have access to loot boxes that require eFootball™ Coins as payment.  
Belgium, Brazil (users under 18 years of age)
\*eFootball™ Coins can be purchased in-game and can be used in various ways, such as signing randomly selected players or acquiring Manager Packs.
\*The description above may be changed in future updates.
\[For the Latest News\]
New features, modes, events, and gameplay improvements will be continuously implemented.
For more information, see the official eFootball™ website.

Release date: Sep 29, 2021

Categories: Sports Simulation, Free-to-Play, Gacha System, Online Multiplayer, Cooperative Multiplayer, Team Management, Character Progression, Live Service Game

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 95; verdict: Predatory Pay-to-Win; summary: eFootball is a free-to-play game that has overwhelmingly negative feedback due to its predatory pay-to-win monetization. Players consistently report that spending real money is essential to compete, with a gacha system for overpowered player cards, scripting that favors paying users, and overpriced microtransactions. The removal of classic offline modes pushes everyone into the monetized Dream Team mode, making the experience feel like a casino rather than a football simulation.
- Proton/Linux: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The game generally runs well on Linux via Proton for many users, with reports of flawless performance. However, some users encounter significant instability related to anti-cheat/DRM software, requiring frequent workarounds and leading to inconsistent launch success. A minority demand native Linux support. Overall, compatibility requires tinkering but is achievable for most.
- Steam Deck: score 85; verdict: Broken - Frequent Crashes and Launch Failure on Steam Deck; summary: eFootball™ on Steam Deck suffers from frequent crashes, launch failures, and a heavy reliance on Proton Experimental with inconsistent results. The inclusion of Denuvo anti-cheat further complicates compatibility, often causing crashes or preventing launch. While some users report playable sessions with specific Proton configurations and high fps, the overall experience is unreliable and requires significant tinkering, earning a high friction score.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Across all cohorts, performance is inconsistent: low-end systems sometimes run well but experience crashes, while higher-end hardware also faces black screens, lag, and stuttering.
  - Sample size: 423 (2% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / <16GB RAM (negative, 204 reports): Many users report crashes, black screens, and poor performance despite some low-spec successes.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / 16-31GB RAM (mixed, 88 reports): Mixed reports: some users experience lag and input delay even with recommendations, while others face crashes and stutters.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (mixed, 52 reports): Mixed feedback: one user notes gameplay issues but still recommends, while others report severe lag and input lag.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (negative, 51 reports): Users report black screen crashes and poor server performance.
  - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (negative, 7 reports): One user reports stuttering despite high-end hardware.
  - Caveats: 423 of 20003 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $0.00 - $10.00
  - Reasoning: The majority of reviews indicate the game is not worth paying money for, with many stating it is only acceptable as a free product. Comparisons to paid alternatives like FIFA/FC ($70 annually) suggest the community places a very low or zero monetary value on this game. Some positive reviews mention it is worth playing casually for free. Therefore, the community considers a fair base price range of $0 to $10, with $0 being the most common expectation.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 0.2h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Game completion and story/campaign completion are not defined in reviews; the game is a live service with no traditional ending. Session length is consistently reported as around 10 minutes per match from multiple language sources. Endgame hours are not explicitly quantified, as the entire gameplay loops around ongoing events and grinding without a typical post-story duration.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: eFootball offers fun with friends after completing a mandatory tutorial, but the experience becomes repetitive within several hours due to limited modes and pay-to-win mechanics.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: After completing the mandatory tutorial and being able to play with friends
  - Time to anchor: 0h 15m
  - Friction: forced tutorial; repetitive gameplay after first few hours; pay-to-win mechanics; limited game modes; server lag and connection issues; lack of offline content
  - Unlock drivers: completing the tutorial; playing with friends (local or online); using co-op mode
  - Conditions: playing with friends; casual or party mindset; offline/local multiplayer; accepting repetitive core loop
- Player Archetypes:
  - Competitive PvP Skeptic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Fair and skill-based online competition
    - Playstyle: Tries to play tactical football but feels cheated by scripting, smart assist, and pay-to-win mechanics
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: PES veteran; competitive player; skill-over-pay enthusiast
    - Reference games: FIFA/EAFC; PES 2021
  - Offline Mode Seeker (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Nostalgic single-player football simulation
    - Playstyle: Prefers solo campaigns like Master League, avoids PvP stress
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: old-school PES fan; offline player
    - Reference games: PES 6; PES 2021; International Superstar Soccer Deluxe
  - F2P Grinder (sale)
    - Motivation: Building a competitive team without spending real money
    - Playstyle: Patiently grinds events, uses free player cards, builds tactical squads
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: free-to-play; grinder; tactician
    - Reference games: EAFC Ultimate Team (comparison); PES 2021


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Realistic gameplay praised (weight 0.16): Many reviewers highlight the game's realistic gameplay, including passing, shooting, and player movement. The game is often described as more realistic than FIFA or EAFC.
- Comparable to FIFA but free (weight 0.12): The game is considered comparable to EA FC or FIFA, with the major advantage of being free-to-play. This provides better value than paid alternatives.
- Free to build strong team (weight 0.08): Players appreciate that they can build a cool or relatively good squad without spending real money. Free rewards and events help acquire decent players.
- Nice graphics quality (weight 0.07): The graphics and visual quality are consistently described as nice, beautiful, or very good. This is a common positive point across reviews.
- The game has potential (weight 0.06): Reviewers acknowledge the game has potential and is fun at times, suggesting that it is worth trying for the gameplay alone.
- Game improved with updates (weight 0.05): The game has improved greatly with updates, including the removal of an AI filter that made the game seem fairer. Reviewers appreciate the ongoing improvements.
- Better physics than FIFA (weight 0.05): Realistic football physics, including ball control and player weight, are noted as superior to FIFA. This enhances the realism of the game.
- Fun co-op and multiplayer (weight 0.05): Co-op matches with friends, playing on the same TV, and online co-op are described as enjoyable. This is a positive social aspect of the game.
- Better than FC 26 and EAFC (weight 0.04): Some reviewers explicitly state that this game is better than FC 26, EA's Ultimate Team, or FC25, especially in terms of performance and gameplay.
- Free annual updates (weight 0.03): The game provides free updates without requiring annual paid releases, making it a cost-effective option for football fans.
- Good for casual players (weight 0.03): The game is recommended for casual play and is considered suitable for players who want a fun, low-pressure experience.
- Good mechanics and animations (weight 0.03): Game mechanics are good, with fast animations contributing to a satisfying on-pitch experience.
- Stadium customization (weight 0.03): Stadium customization, such as painting grass, adding banners and trophies, adds personality to the game.
- Includes Brazilian teams (weight 0.03): The game includes Brazilian clubs and players, which is appreciated by fans of Brazilian football.

Common complaints:
- Pay-to-win mechanics dominate (weight 0.34): The game is heavily pay-to-win, where spending money provides a significant advantage in card strength, player stats, and overall match outcomes. Players who do not pay face insurmountable odds, especially at higher divisions.
- Unfair matchmaking system (weight 0.17): Matchmaking pairs players with vastly different team strengths, divisions, or skill ratings, creating one-sided matches that are frustrating for lower-rated players.
- Handicap system is unfair (weight 0.16): A handicap system actively works against skilled players, reducing their team's effectiveness regardless of actual skill, making wins feel impossible.
- Server lag issues (weight 0.15): Frequent server lag and bad latency make online matches unplayable, with delayed player responsiveness and disconnections reported by many players.
- Smart Assist imbalance (weight 0.14): The Smart Assist feature gives unskilled players an unfair advantage by automating defensive actions and reducing opponent control, leading to frustrating matches.
- Missing Master League mode (weight 0.09): The classic Master League and Become a Star modes are absent, despite player expectations and promises, leaving a gap in single-player content.
- Unfair refereeing decisions (weight 0.09): Referees issue red cards and penalties inconsistently, often punishing clean tackles while missing real fouls, which disrupts fair play.
- AI interference in gameplay (weight 0.09): The AI on the player's own team underperforms against paid opponents, causing missed goals, stopped runs, and defensive breakdowns, while opposing AI performs too well.
- Poor ball control and passing (weight 0.08): Ball control upon reception is imprecise, passes and through balls frequently go astray, and clearing the ball is ineffective, hampering basic gameplay.
- Game worse than old PES (weight 0.07): Many players feel the current game is inferior to older titles like PES 2013, PES 2021, and others, citing regressed gameplay and lost charm.
- Goalkeeper performance poor (weight 0.06): Goalkeepers react slowly to weak shots, let in easy goals, and fail to save effectively, making defense unreliable.

Gameplay feedback:
- Realistic football simulation (weight 0.13): The game is described as a free-to-play realistic football simulation similar to FIFA and PES, with a focus on online play and a card collecting system.
- Smart Assist mechanic (weight 0.09): Smart Assist provides AI assistance for actions like passing and shooting, aiding weaker players but potentially affecting balance.
- Card collection and team building (weight 0.08): The game features a card collection system for building teams, similar to FC Mobile, with divisions and online play.
- Scripting and dynamic difficulty (weight 0.08): Players report scripting and dynamic difficulty adjustment that can make the game feel unfair, with AI handicapping stronger players.
- Tactical and realistic mechanics (weight 0.08): Gameplay focuses on tempo, formations, and realistic physics like passing and movement, with advanced options for manual control.
- Free and simple gameplay (weight 0.07): The game is free-to-play, with simple controls and basic menus, making it accessible for casual play.
- Smooth and fluid controls (weight 0.07): Compared to FIFA, the gameplay feels more free and natural, with technical controls for passing and dribbling.
- Various game modes (weight 0.07): The game includes modes like AI league, PvP, co-op events, and divisions, with a simple structure but limited choices.
- Missing career mode (weight 0.05): The game lacks a single-player career mode like Master League, which is a notable absence for some players.
- Pay-to-win concerns (weight 0.04): The card system and player upgrades can be pay-to-win, though free currency is earnable, leading to frustration for free players.
- Division and ranking system (weight 0.04): Players can progress through divisions and leagues, with a ranking system that includes both player and bot opponents.
- Bot matches in play (weight 0.04): Matches sometimes include bots, especially at lower levels or in AI modes, which can affect the competitive experience.
- Unique control mechanics (weight 0.04): The game uses a custom controller layout and specific mechanics like the right analog stick for teammate movement and shoulder barges.
- Online connectivity required (weight 0.03): The game can only be played online, which may be a limitation for those preferring offline play.
- Performance and updates (weight 0.03): Performance is better than FC25, and core gameplay resembles classic PES with gradual improvements through updates.
- Assistance levels and customization (weight 0.03): Passing and defense have multiple assistance levels, from full auto to manual, allowing players to customize difficulty.
- Engine and origin from PES (weight 0.03): Originally a mode of PES, the game underwent an engine change by Konami, evolving into a free-to-play online title.
- Online lag and matchmaking (weight 0.03): Competitive online play can suffer from lag, and matchmaking may not always be balanced, affecting the experience.
- Co-op and multiplayer options (weight 0.03): The game supports online co-op with friends and various PvP modes, but online is the primary focus.
- Low entry barrier for casuals (weight 0.03): The game is easy to pick up for casual players, with sufficient tutorials and simple menus for quick play.

Performance notes:
- Poor server quality (weight 0.18): Multiple players report consistent server lag, sluggish gameplay, and high latency, making the game feel unresponsive. Issues are widespread across different regions and game modes.
- Game crashes and stability (weight 0.08): The game crashes frequently, including during boot or matches, sometimes with black screens. This affects the overall stability and playability of the game.
- Laggy PvP and input delay (weight 0.08): PvP combat is heavily impacted by lag and input delay, making it difficult to play competitively. Connection issues cause rubberbanding and unresponsive controls.
- Low performance on various hardware (weight 0.08): The game exhibits poor performance on Steam Deck, Asus TUF F15, and even high-end PCs, with input delays, stuttering, and lag. Lack of optimization is a recurring complaint.
- Stuttering and loading issues (weight 0.06): Players encounter constant stuttering, black screens during loading, and excessive loading screens, disrupting gameplay flow. Performance degrades even on the main menu after updates.
- Unstable servers with physics lag (weight 0.04): Server instability causes physics-related latency issues, where blocking or movement feels delayed by up to a second. This makes the game feel unresponsive and unfair.
- Graphics quality concerns (weight 0.03): Some players note that the graphics appear outdated for a 2021 title, with issues like shadows disappearing and mediocre visual quality.
- Excessive game size (weight 0.02): The game takes up over 50 GB of storage, which players feel is not justified by the content provided. This is a hindrance for users with limited disk space.

Recommendations:
- Negative reviews dominate (weight 0.29): Most clusters advise against playing the game, citing waste of time, scams, and frustration. Clusters 1, 5, 9, 12, 13, 14, 21, 28 show strong discouragement.
- Compare to FIFA (weight 0.12): Many reviews suggest buying FIFA instead for better modes and overall experience. Clusters 2 and 17 explicitly recommend FIFA over eFootball.
- Considered a scam (weight 0.08): Clusters 6 and 25 label the game a scam and pay-to-win, with strong warnings not to spend money.
- Recommended over FIFA (weight 0.07): A few reviews recommend eFootball over FIFA because it is free. Clusters 7 and 8 mention this.
- Older PES better (weight 0.07): Fans of the series are directed to older PES games, such as PES 2021 or classic versions. Clusters 11 and 30 recommend sticking with past titles.
- Only for offline play (weight 0.05): Cluster 4 recommends the game only for computer matches, not online.
- Compare to EAFC/eFootball (weight 0.04): Some reviews recommend EAFC over eFootball for gameplay and value. Cluster 8 suggests EAFC as a better choice.
- Download warnings (weight 0.04): Cluster 9 explicitly advises against downloading the game, calling it a waste.
- Pay-to-win concern (weight 0.03): Cluster 25 explicitly states the game is unfair for non-paying players.
- Master League missing (weight 0.03): Cluster 24 warns that fans of Master League mode will be disappointed.
- Alternative suggestions (weight 0.03): Cluster 20 suggests playing GOALS, older FIFA, or real football instead.
- Mixed casual/pay (weight 0.03): Cluster 23 notes the game is only for casual free players or hardcore payers.
- Referral code advice (weight 0.03): New players are told to use a referral code for a head start. Cluster 19 mentions this tip.
- Spending advice (weight 0.03): Cluster 29 advises no spending unless playing PvP, then only moderate spending.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.4): The dominant cause of frustration is pervasive technical and gameplay issues, including persistent lag, crashes, connection problems, and server instability that prevent players from enjoying matches or even launching the game. This is compounded by a deeply ingrained 'pay-to-win' system and scripted mechanics (like Smart Assist, Handicap, and Momentum) that are perceived to manipulate match outcomes, negate player skill, and create unfair advantages for those who spend money. The community also expresses frustration over a lack of meaningful game modes (like offline career modes), broken AI (defenders, goalkeepers), and the sense that the game has devolved from a competitive skill-based title into a predatory and rigged experience.
- Anger (weight 0.21): Players express intense anger at the game's perceived predatory and 'pay-to-win' design, which they feel is not a fair competition but a system rigged to extract money from the player base, with many feeling cheated by the game's scripting and manipulation of match outcomes. This anger is specifically directed at the developer, Konami, for greed and exploitative monetization, as well as for failing to address persistent issues like unfair matchmaking that pits free players against powerful 'pay-to-win' teams. The sentiment also includes strong reactions to game-breaking mechanics like unfair scripting, poor AI, and a system that ignores player input, making the experience feel like a scam.
- Disappointment (weight 0.2): The primary cause of disappointment is a perceived decline of the franchise from its 'PES' roots, with a strong focus on the game's shift to a 'pay-to-win' and 'gacha' card-collector system, along with the removal of beloved single-player modes like Master League. Players feel the game has lost its identity as a football simulator, offering a poor-quality, manipulative experience instead of the tactical, skill-based game they once loved. This is compounded by a lack of meaningful content, poor support for certain platforms like PC, and a general feeling that the developers have prioritized profit over the quality, leading to a game that does not meet its potential or the standards set by previous titles.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.05): Players who express satisfaction feel the game has improved over time, offering a good, realistic, and free-to-play alternative to competitors like FIFA, with a particular appreciation for the realistic physics and gameplay that aligns with their preference for a football simulation. They are pleased with the ability to build a good team without spending real money, and they find the game rewarding and fair, especially against bots or after learning the mechanics.
- Disgust (weight 0.02): Players express disgust at the game's design, feeling it is a scammy, predatory 'money grab' that has been released without care or testing, with specific mechanics like 'Blitz Curler' and 'Smart Assist' ruining the balance and making the game unplayable. The overall experience is described as incredibly poor, with the game feeling like a mockery of the players' nerves and intentionally designed to be addictive and rage-inducing.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Players who report enjoyment find the gameplay to be fun and engaging, with positive experiences stemming from realistic gameplay, tactical depth, and the ability to play with friends, which provides unexpected and entertaining moments. The game is appreciated for being a free, high-quality option that can be enjoyed casually without the financial pressure of 'pay-to-win' mechanics.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Players report excitement due to the game's realistic and engaging gameplay, with specific appreciation for responsive controls, tactical depth, and improved AI that make the experience feel like a genuine football simulation. The continuous improvements, addition of game modes, and the thrill of facing tough challenges are also cited as reasons for their positive sentiment and willingness to recommend the game.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Players express annoyance at aggressive, intrusive design choices, including mandatory tutorials, constant pop-up messages, and a heavy push towards online play and microtransactions. The game's large file size for its content and the feeling that one's own team plays worse against 'pay-to-win' players are also specific sources of irritation.
- Resignation (weight 0.02): Players feel a sense of resignation, accepting the game's flaws because they see no better alternative, are locked in by friends and habit, or view it as a decent free-to-play option for casual play. They acknowledge the game can only be enjoyed without spending money, as the matchmaking against 'donators' is a frequent but accepted part of the experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Players express nostalgia for the 'good old days' of the PES franchise, specifically missing classic modes like Master League and offline multiplayer, which they feel have been removed in favor of a 'pay-to-win' system. They fondly remember the quality of previous PES titles (PES 6, PES 2018, PES 2021) and express a longing for the game's former glory before its current iteration.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Players express deep regret over the time and money wasted on a game that has become unenjoyable, with many citing addiction that led to negative life consequences and a sense of having spent hundreds of hours on a game they no longer find rewarding. The regret is specifically tied to the perception that the game has been 'rendered useless' by its 'pay-to-win' or 'scripted' mechanics.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players express appreciation for the game being a free-to-play title that provides a realistic and honest football simulation, with particular praise for its physics, player animations, and the absence of an annual purchase model. The game is valued for its cross-platform support, good graphics, and satisfying goal sound, making it a quality alternative to its competitors.
- Stress (weight 0.01): Players report the game as a source of stress due to an overall unfair and toxic experience, characterized by poor teammate AI, constant scripting, biased refereeing, and an instability that makes the game unsuitable for relaxation. The feeling of a constant 'handicap' working against the player is a key factor in this negative emotional state.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Players feel sadness at the degeneration of a beloved game series (PES) into a 'hollow microtransaction shell' and a 'gacha' system, with the core gameplay mechanics being 'killed' by the new direction. They lament that exclusive licenses are not properly used, and that they could not adapt to the changes, missing the original, more authentic PES experience.
- Resentment (weight 0.01): Players express resentment towards the game's 'pay-to-win' mechanics, which are seen as a manipulation of fans' love for football to extract money, treating non-payers as mere 'donors' for paying players. This is compounded by a feeling of being stuck with the game due to a lack of viable alternatives, and a frustration that the game takes money but fails to provide entertainment.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Despite the many criticisms, some players hold out hope for the game's potential, expressing a desire for the return of classic modes like manager mode or season career mode and looking forward to future updates that could improve the overall experience.
- Admiration (weight 0): Players express admiration for the game's realism, specifically stating that its physics and simulation aspects are superior to any other football game on the market, making it a 'fun' and 'great' experience overall.
- Confusion (weight 0): Players express confusion regarding specific game systems, such as the 'gacha' event results and the inability to find a solution to their problems, even after consulting external resources like YouTube and AI.
- Sarcasm (weight 0): Players use sarcasm to mock the game's state, such as sarcastically calling it 'perfect' for inducing stress and gambling, or 'recommending' it with a warning about getting gray hair, reflecting a cynical view of the game's design.
- Addiction (weight 0): Some players describe an addictive quality to the game, where the 'rush' of an occasional 'rare good match' is enough to keep them returning despite the overall 'suffering,' suggesting a cycle of frustration and brief enjoyment that is hard to break.}