Confusion reigns over PES exclusivity deal
Following a statement from Konami and comments by Pro Evo creator Shingo 'Seabass' Takatsuka, confusion has arisen over Microsoft's claim that PES 6 will be exclusive to the Xbox 360.
Following a statement from Konami and comments by Pro Evo creator Shingo 'Seabass' Takatsuka, confusion has arisen over Microsoft's claim that PES 6 will be exclusive to Xbox 360.
Microsoft made the announcement at last week's Leipzig Games Convention, declaring that both FIFA 2007 and Pro Evolution 6 would be Xbox 360 exclusives for at least 12 months.
But according to a statement on Konami's website: "It has been falsely reported on some websites that Konami will release its Pro Evolution Soccer 6 exclusively for Microsoft's Xbox 360. These reports are not true.
"Konami is currently proceeding with the production of a multi-platform release of Pro Evolution Soccer 6 so that as many people as possible can enjoy the game."
It's possible that the statement is referring to current-gen versions of PES 6 - it's long been confirmed that the game will also appear on PC, PS2, PSP and Nintendo DS.
However, speaking to 1up, series creator Takatsuka said that a PS3 version is already in development. He went on to reveal that the game could be released as early as spring - adding that the only certainty is that it will not go on sale before January 1st, 2007.
Meanwhile, Microsoft is sticking to its original line, with a spokesperson telling GamesIndustry.biz: "I can confirm that PES 6 and FIFA 07 are indeed next-gen exclusive to Xbox 360 in Europe for the next 12 months, as announced."
This could be seen to suggest that PES 6 will appear on PS3s outside of Europe within the next year, which would make sense - the series is hugely popular in Japan, where the Xbox 360 has yet to secure a solid market share. Microsoft has yet to respond to requests for clarification, while Konami is expected to issue an official statement shortly.
The 1up article went on to suggest that Microsoft's deal with Electronic Arts to make FIFA an exclusive may also be in doubt - but an EA spokesperson told GI.biz, "FIFA '07 is exclusive to the X360 for the next 12 months," adding, "This would be a global agreement."