I know. But for how long? Online have lags, connection issues and very few modes to play.
I've never known PES be different in this regard. At what point do people give up and say "I'm not buying the game now"? Do they ever? We haven't!
Besides, no one has to work hard to be rewarded (and no one has to pay much). Most people already have crazy teams, without spending any money.
I think this is a
big part of their strategy and it has been for years; give the superstars as standard, get them hooked, and then introduce the classic players (the kids think they're cool, the old-school PES players actually know who they are) - and they're some of the most highly-rated players.
"Hey guys, come and get all your favourite players, right now! Oh wow look, you got Messi on your first spin, well done! Have a Ronaldo free to go with him! Look, here's a classic Beckham for you! That's
special! Aren't you lucky?! You're world-beaters and you barely switched the console on!
You're so amazing at this game!"
"Who's your favourite team? Liverpool? Look, classic Owen! You've already got an amazing team - you're amazing by the way - but I bet you want him! Struggling to win? Because everyone else has got a team as good as yours? Maybe this Owen will help you! Not enough GP? How about a few £££s? That's all it costs!"
"Did you win now you have Owen? No? Wait, you probably need Fowler to go alongside him! Just a bit more £££ and he can be yours! You've bought Owen, you have to get Fowler to go with him, really! Give it a spin! Oh no, you got Bjørnebye? He's good! But you wanted Fowler didn't you... Spin again?"
They're not the only ones doing this - obviously. But Konami as a company are mobile-focused and gamble-focused. Pachinko machines, mobile games with loot boxes, PES (and PES Mobile) with IAPs.
They've released financial figures before, and the money they make through in-app purchases is insane. Same with the other game - sales of the game itself are dwarfed by in-app purchases.
I think it's less about "Konami are in trouble" and more "Konami are swimming in the pool of cash while it lasts" - with as little running costs for all their ventures as possible in the meantime (there are a lot of articles about working conditions over there).