Being able to rent games is something that most of us take for granted -- in Japan, it doesn't happen because of publisher blackballing. Konami has decided to give the whole rental thing a try, though, starting with the popular soccer game, Winning Eleven: Play Maker 2008 (aka Pro Evolution Soccer 2008).
Even so, Japanese gamers won't be able to test out the title in full. Instead, trial versions of the Wii game will be offered for free at Tsutaya stores. It's kind of like downloading a demo, only you have to go and pick it up instead.
We're interested to see if this has any impact on Japan's gaming industry, and if Konami will expand their "rental" service in the future.
[Via Game|Life]
Konami kicks off Japanese rental program with Pro Evolution Soccer
Posted Jun 21st 2008 2:00PM by Candace Savino
Filed under: News
Tags: demo, japan, konami, pes, play-maker-2008, pro-evolution-soccer, pro-evolution-soccer-2008, rent, rental, soccer, sports, trail, tsutaya, winning-eleven
Related Headlines
- Supergrafx game leads Japanese Virtual Console lineup for October (11 days ago - 5 Comments)
- Virtually Overlooked: Mega Man Soccer (19 days ago - 8 Comments)
- FIFA 09 taking inspiration from closest rival (26 days ago - 0 Comments)
- Fanswag: Mario Super Sluggers (26 days ago - 1389 Comments)
- Fanswag: Top Spin 3 (56 days ago - 489 Comments)














Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-21-2008 @ 2:47PM
Nigeria said...
I should really try this game out. I feel it's my duty as an ex-Pro Evolution addict.
Also: lol, Portugal.
Reply
6-21-2008 @ 3:23PM
ramuji said...
I live in Japan, and have mixed feelings about this. If it's only a demo version, I'd much rather be able to download it (partly because there is no Tsutaya nearby). However, if this turns out to be the first (successful) step in finally making game renals here possible, then I'm all for it.
Reply
6-21-2008 @ 8:06PM
Danny said...
Portugal owns nigeria
Reply
6-22-2008 @ 6:41AM
Lord Bowser said...
Lol.
6-21-2008 @ 10:24PM
Tamyu said...
There was a rental program for a while, through various game stores.
It failed because very few people wanted the hassle of renting a game. It`s much easier to buy the game and if you don`t want it, sell it almost immediately. People are used to doing this.
Reply
6-23-2008 @ 12:11PM
Justin said...
i hope that EA uses the controls like PES, this game rocks I just wish i was able to play actual leagues and the world cup.
Reply
6-23-2008 @ 12:13PM
Justin said...
this game rocks, if you haven't tried it, go out and buy it. well worth the 39.99 price tag. only beef is that it doesn't use the actual legues.
Reply