Konami and FC Barcelona sign partnership for PES 2017

This morning at FC Barcelona's stadium, Camp Nou, it was announced that Konami and the club have reached a deal in order to cooperatively push both brands globally in the years to come.

Konami's European President, Tomotada Tashiro, and FCB Commercial Director Francesco Calvo presented the premium partnership at the club's press hall, just like they would a summer signing.

Calvo defined the deal as a "strategic partnership with Konami. We welcome Konami as a premium partner for the seasons to come," explaining how they value the ability of the PES brand to reach "millions of users" in the digital era, as part of a "strategic alliance" as they pursue increased engagement with audiences.

The specific terms of the deal haven't been disclosed, but it becomes pretty obvious with the Barça-branded Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 game they showed during the press conference. This includes an FCB-based cover, special editions and content, and extra care being taken with the depiction of Barça players, the stadium, and even the chants from supporters, as shown in the new PES 2017 gameplay trailer.

Calvo also confirmed that "this will be the first time our legends are reproduced" in-game, and both right back Belletti and striker Rivaldo where in place to illustrate this (with more info being released later). "We'll be together in promoting the game," Calvo concluded. Actually, Konami billboards can already be spotted in the stadium, with the partnership is now active.