"Good news" for PES 2018 in terms of licenses at Gamescom

Given the new partnership model Konami is adopting since last season, where they include official teams (kits, crests, names, stadiums) in Pro Evolution Soccer, our very first question about PES 2018 at this year's E3 was about licenses and how the company plans to expand them.

"We are going to announce that. Licenses is actually the last thing that we talk about," explains Adam Bhatti, head of PES, in the full interview below. "Because I think when we first announce the game it's focusing on all the improvements and the changes, and PES always tends to talk about that first.

"And also licenses is something that we do want to let people know that we have some really good news this year, just in terms of who we're signing and who we're working with, but that is always announced late because these deals are still in the works, the game is a little bit to go yet and we're finalising them, so please wait for Gamescom for that. "

So there you have it: more (good) news is coming in August. So far, other than rumours, the only announcements in this regard relate to the extension of the premium partnership with FC Barcelona, the prominence of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, and the expanded presence of Atlético de Madrid (now with its very own yet-to-be-built stadium, Wanda Metropolitano).

In fact, Bhatti also underlines that Camp Nou is once again "absolutely" exclusive for PES 2018, after FIFA 18's Matt Prior confirmed to Gamereactor that EA would miss out once again, this despite a deal it has with LaLiga.

While we're on the subject, Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 is "hoping to get a few more stadiums" this year.

What are you expecting in terms of licenses on PES 2018 this year? Leave a comment below the full interview: