The Real Strategy Behind Konami’s Cheap Suárez and Thiago Cards
Konami just released two great cards for cheap, and everyone thinks it's a steal. But what is Konami's actual strategy behind them?
1. Luis Suárez
For a long time, starter packs weren't impressive, so most F2P (free-to-play) players ignored them. By releasing this Suárez card, Konami enticed a large portion of F2P players to spend real money for the first time. It teaches players how to use the in-game store—and once you break that F2P barrier for the first time, it becomes much easier to spend again in the future.
2. Thiago Alcântara
This card looks unique: his level cap is very high, but you can only allocate points into a few stats, pushing them past 100. That's where the trick lies.
Most players build their squads with stats between 90 and 99, feeling that going over 99 is a waste of points. By forcing players to experience 100+ stats, Konami normalizes seeing numbers like 105 Speed or 105 Ball Control.
Now that free cards (like Samuel Eto'o) can reach 99 in speed and acceleration and boosted more with Attacking Surge skill, a 99 stat won't feel top-tier anymore—making 100+ stats the new baseline.