Why doesn't Pro Evolution Soccer have licensed teams?

The Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series of video games is well-known for its realistic graphics and gameplay, but one thing it is not known for is its licensed teams. While other soccer games, such as FIFA and EA Sports' FIFA series, feature official team kits, badges, and player names, PES does not. So why is this?

The main reason why Pro Evolution Soccer does not have licensed teams is due to cost. Licensing teams from leagues around the world is an expensive endeavor, and the cost of doing so is often prohibitive for smaller game studios. For example, Konami, the developer of the PES series, is a much smaller studio than EA Sports, and thus they do not have the same resources available to them.

Another reason why PES does not have licensed teams is due to the competition between the two main soccer video game franchises. EA Sports and Konami have been competing against each other for years, and so neither company is willing to give the other an advantage by licensing teams. This means that both companies have to use generic teams in their games, which can be a bit disappointing for soccer fans.

Finally, Pro Evolution Soccer does not have licensed teams because of the way the game is designed. Rather than focusing on the official teams and clubs, PES focuses more on the individual players and their abilities. This allows for more creative freedom and a greater focus on the players and the game itself, rather than the official teams.

While it may be disappointing that Pro Evolution Soccer does not have licensed teams, it is understandable why they have chosen to go this route. The cost of obtaining the licenses, the competition between the two major soccer game franchises, and the focus on individual players all contribute to the lack of licensed teams in the series.

The ability to play with licensed teams is one of the most beloved aspects of sports video games. It adds a sense of realism and authenticity that is hard to replicate in other ways. Unfortunately, Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) is one of the few soccer games that does not feature licensed teams, leaving some players feeling like the game is lacking in comparison to its competitors.

The lack of licensed teams in PES has had a noticeable impact on the gaming experience. Without the ability to play with teams that have their official jerseys, players will never get to experience the full scope of the game. It also limits the scope of the game's strategy by taking away the ability to play with teams that players are emotionally invested in. Without the ability to play with real teams, the game can feel less immersive and exciting.

There are some potential benefits to PES’s non-licensed teams. It allows the game to be more creative with player names and team designs, which can add a unique flair that would be missing if the teams were licensed. Additionally, the ability to play with non-licensed teams can make it easier to customize a team to fit the player’s own style and preferences.

Ultimately, Pro Evolution Soccer’s lack of licensed teams has had a noticeable impact on the gaming experience. While there are potential benefits to playing with non-licensed teams, the inability to play with real teams can be a major drawback for some players. With the increasing popularity of soccer video games, it will be interesting to see if PES will eventually add licensed teams in the future.