Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 confirmed

The Pro Evolution Soccer franchise will be kicking off again this year, Konami announced today. Though the firm would only confirm an autumn release window, an October release in Europe is to be expected; for as long as the series has been around, Konami has never failed to ship a Pro Evolution soccer game in that month.

Ronaldo has stepped over all other football games to endorse this one, says Konami.

The Japanese publisher has promised a raft of AI and control improvements, as it did in 2011, 2010, and 2009, as well as in 2007 and 2005.

Konami's PES European team leader Jon Murphy was unconcerned about apparent personnel changes behind the scenes, saying, "Fresh faces within the development team and some very exciting ideas will breathe new life into the PES series."

Konami has also promised steps forward in the areas of audio and social networking. The game's audio effects "are being tied closer to the on-field action," the firm said. It also confirmed it is planning an extension to the myPES application for Facebook, which will "extend the connectivity and communication between Facebook-using PES fans."

The game is due for release this autumn for the PS3, Xbox 360, PC, PS2, PSP, 3DS, and Wii, the firm said. No mention was made of a version for Sony's Vita handheld or Nintendo's upcoming Wii U.