Konami’s eFootball is racing ahead of EA FC Mobile
Konami’s free-to-play soccer game eFootball has become a major mobile success, earning the Japanese publisher over $1.5 billion in revenue since its 2017 launch—a remarkable achievement that contrasts sharply with the broader struggles of traditional gaming companies in mobile markets.
The game represents an unexpected triumph for Konami, which embraced mobile gaming in 2015 to significant fan backlash, with many hoping for mobile versions of iconic franchises like Metal Gear and Silent Hill. Instead, Konami found success by revamping its Pro Evolution Soccer series, rebranded as eFootball (known as Winning Eleven in Japan).
eFootball’s performance stands out against a landscape where most Japanese gaming giants have failed to establish strong mobile presence. Nintendo’s mobile efforts are diminishing, PlayStation has largely abandoned the space, and competitors like Sega, Capcom, and Square Enix have seen limited returns. Meanwhile, eFootball is outpacing EA’s competing mobile offering, EA FC Mobile, suggesting that strategic execution and franchise recognition remain critical in mobile gaming success.
The game’s sustained profitability underscores the viability of sports franchises in free-to-play mobile markets, where seasonal content models and dedicated player communities generate substantial long-term revenue.