Despite cases of some UK indie and online retailers selling copies of Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (for the PS3, PS2, Xbox 360, and PC) earlier than the intended October 26 release date, major retailers chose to patiently stand by and waited for the official street date to come by before they put copies of the much-awaited soccer title onto their shelves. For their admirable restraint, Konami's UK general manager Pete Stone praised the major retailers who "stuck to their guns and the launch date".

"There were a few isolated incidents in response to the indie leaks, but I am very happy with the way retail has supported us," he said. Stone also recalled some cases of games being sold days before the launch date, saying that Konami does not condone the act, and that it creates damaging anarchy in the market.

As for Pro Evolution Soccer 2008's success, Stone is very much delighted at how well it was received by the gaming public, and the fact that Konami's soccer game shot up the gaming charts in only a few days after its release.