PES hits back: Konami accuses FIFA of copying, reveals truth behind licenses and explains Seabass’ new role
Jon Murphy has had enough. I can see it in his face as we sit down for our interview in Konami UK’s Chiswick offices. And I can feel it in every answer he delivers to all the questions I put to him. Perhaps it’s not surprising. The Konami veteran has spent years as Pro Evolution Soccer European team leader banging the PES drum, but the last few have, by his own admission, been the most galling. As EA’s FIFA series has pulled away from PES – the game so many of us played religiously “back in the day” before turning to the dark side at the beginning of this generation – he’s had to accept second place. A distant second place. And doesn’t everyone know it. Still, the frankness with which he discusses PES’ problems surprises me. During our chat Murphy explains Shingo ‘Seabass’ Takatsuka’s shock exit from the console PES team, accuses FIFA of copying, alleges EA locks out Konami from licenses and delivers some home truths to fans of the football video game genre who, he believes, need their heads banging together. Read more…
