Konami Unveils eFootball V5.0.0 with Thai Language Support and Esports Partnership

Key facts

• Konami Digital Entertainment Limited announced eFootball V5.0.0 on August 13, 2025, at Samyan Mitrtown in Bangkok.
• The update adds Thai-language text to the mobile platform in August 2025, with PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam versions following in October.
• New features include enhanced mobile graphics, improved defensive mechanics, Link Up and Treasure Link systems, and customizable stadiums.
• Konami has partnered with Plan B to develop eFootball esports in Thailand, with winners of certified tournaments earning spots in international competitions.
• Konami has organized eFootball competitions in Thailand since 2018, incorporating Thai League clubs.
• The game is free-to-play on iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam.

A New Chapter for eFootball in Thailand

Konami Digital Entertainment Limited has released version 5.0.0 of its flagship football game eFootball, marking a significant milestone for Thai players. The update, unveiled at a press conference on August 13, 2025, at Samyan Mitrtown in Bangkok, introduces Thai-language text for the first time, a direct response to the demands of the local fanbase. Junichi Taya, General Producer of eFootball, detailed the enhancements during the event. The mobile version receives a graphics overhaul aimed at matching console-level fidelity, while defensive gameplay mechanics have been refined for greater realism and challenge. Two new features, Link Up and Treasure Link, add strategic depth: Link Up allows managers to pair players with matching attributes for synergistic effects, and Treasure Link rewards players for connecting squares in bingo-like patterns, with special rewards available from upcoming offline events. Players can also customize their stadiums to create unique atmospheres.

Thai Language Support: A Long-Awaited Addition

The inclusion of Thai-language text is the standout feature for the Thai gaming community. Konami will roll out the update on mobile platforms in August 2025, with PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam versions scheduled for October. This marks the first time eFootball has offered full Thai localization, a move that underscores the growing importance of the Thai market. Taya emphasized that the localization effort is part of a broader strategy to deepen engagement with players in Southeast Asia. The company has been active in Thailand since 2018, organizing eFootball competitions that feature Thai League clubs, which have helped build a vibrant local esports scene.

Strategic Partnership with Plan B to Boost Esports

Beyond the game update, Taya announced a strategic partnership with Plan B, a Thai company, to elevate eFootball esports in the country. The collaboration aims to organize tournaments alongside leading brands and key opinion leaders (KOLs) to expand the player base. Crucially, winners of Konami-certified events organized by Plan B will earn the right to participate in official international competitions, offering a pathway for Thai players to turn professional on the world stage. Athiwat Pisitthaphan, Esports Manager at Plan B Eleven Co., Ltd., noted that eFootball esports in Thailand have been active since 2018, with Thai League clubs integrated into the competitions. This history, he said, has consistently stimulated the local football esports scene. The new partnership is expected to formalize and accelerate that growth.

New Gameplay Features and Free-to-Play Model

The V5.0.0 update introduces several gameplay innovations. The Link Up feature allows managers to activate special synergies between two players who meet specific conditions, enhancing performance in targeted situations. Treasure Link adds a bingo-like reward system where players connect squares vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, with the ability to exchange rewards with opponents. Special Treasure Links will also be distributed at offline events. Customizable stadiums give players creative control over their home ground, allowing for personalized decorations and atmospheres. These features are available across all platforms, including iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam, where eFootball remains free-to-play.

A Decade of Evolution from PES to eFootball

eFootball, formerly known as Pro Evolution Soccer (PES), has undergone a significant transformation since its rebranding. The series has shifted to a free-to-play model with regular content updates, and the V5.0.0 release continues that trajectory. The game now includes special player cards such as Epic and Highlight players, which capture standout performances from specific seasons with unique card designs. The latest update also adds 139 active players to the Special Player List, alongside three Epic and eight Highlight players. These additions are part of Konami's ongoing effort to keep the roster fresh and engaging for players who build their ultimate teams.

Pathways to Professional Esports

The partnership with Plan B is the most concrete step yet in Konami's plan to professionalize eFootball esports in Thailand. By linking local tournament victories to international competition slots, the company is creating a clear ladder for aspiring players. The involvement of Thai League clubs in the competitive ecosystem since 2018 has already built a foundation, and the new collaboration is expected to attract more participants and sponsors. Taya expressed confidence that the combination of localized content and structured esports opportunities will solidify eFootball's position in Thailand and serve as a model for other markets in the region.

Outlook: A Strategic Bet on Southeast Asia

The V5.0.0 update and the Plan B partnership represent a coordinated push by Konami to capture the growing Southeast Asian gaming market. Thailand, with its passionate football culture and expanding esports infrastructure, is a natural focal point. The addition of Thai language support removes a barrier for casual players, while the esports pathway targets competitive players. If successful, this dual approach could boost eFootball's user base in Thailand and set a precedent for similar initiatives in other non-English-speaking markets. The coming months, particularly the October rollout on consoles and PC, will be critical in determining whether Konami can sustain momentum and convert interest into long-term engagement.

The bottom line

• eFootball V5.0.0 introduces Thai-language text for the first time, starting with mobile in August 2025 and other platforms in October.
• New gameplay features include enhanced mobile graphics, improved defense, Link Up and Treasure Link systems, and customizable stadiums.
• Konami has partnered with Plan B to develop Thai esports, with winners of certified tournaments earning spots in international competitions.
• Konami has organized eFootball competitions in Thailand since 2018, featuring Thai League clubs.
• The game is free-to-play on iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam.
• The update includes 139 active players, 3 Epic players, and 8 Highlight players in the Special Player List.