Konami will not release a full PES 2021

Konami has called off its expected plan to launch a full version of PES 2021, to focus on a full next-gen version due next year.

A "season update" to PES 2020 will be sold instead, Konami explained, for "an affordable anniversary price".

While Konami is skimping on this year's release, the developer is hard at work on a version designed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X that will move the game's engine over to Unreal.

A short clip released alongside today's announcement shows famous footballer Messi reproduced in Unreal, giving the camera a little smile.

"This title is being developed with an updated engine that will enable us to dazzle you with staggering improvements to all areas of the game," Konami wrote of next year's effort. "Expect more realistic player models and animations, enhanced physics, photorealistic visuals, and much much more.

"We recognise that many of you are enthusiastic for new myClub and Master League content, and we are also excited to share that large updates are in the works for both of these modes.

"Currently, we aim to begin testing of our next-gen title sometime in mid-2021, with an estimated release date later in the same year."