Konami secures extension to Barcelona deal

Japanese video game developer Konami has extended its partnership with Spanish LaLiga football club Barcelona.

Konami, which makes the Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) video game series, first partnered with the club ahead of the 2016-17 season, when the two parties signed a three-year deal.

The announcement of the new four-year deal coincides with the worldwide presentation of eFootball PES 2020, which will have Barcelona’s Lionel Messi as its cover star. Teammates Luis Suárez and Philippe Coutinho featured on the two previous editions of the PES cover.

Former Barcelona player Ronaldinho is also set to feature on the front of the Legend Edition of PES, which will include an exclusive 3D scanned version of the Brazilian. Both versions of the game will launch in the Americas, Europe and Asia on September 10, and in Japan on September 12.

Additionally, a special Barcelona edition of eFootball PES 2020 will be sold at the club’s official store at the Camp Nou. For the first time, fans will decide the cover and can vote on the matter from today (Wednesday).

In return, Konami will benefit from advertising exposure inside and outside the Camp Nou, as well as access to players. The company will also receive match-day visibility and exclusive rights to recreate the Camp Nou in eFootball PES 2020.

Konami also becomes the official esports football video gaming partner of Barcelona, which opens up the possibility of future collaborations on esports events.