PES 2017 has a free-to-play version

Konami has announced that a free-to-play version of PES 2017 focusing on the game’s eSports orientated mode is now available.

The publisher last year gave the same treatment to PES 2016, but this time around the release will occur at the same time across all platforms – and far sooner after the release of the full game.

The Trial Edition, as it is called, features nine licensed teams – Arsenal, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Germany, France, Boca Juniors, River Plate, Corinthians and Flamengo. Also included is access to the Skills mode for basic game training.

However, the big sell is access to the online multiplayer PES Leagues mode. Registration for the PES League tournament opens next month, potentially meaning anyone who picks up the free game could find themselves competing in the PES World Finals in July.

The strategy is an interesting one for Konami and is presumably designed to give PES an advantage in the eSports market over rival FIFA, which remains a premium product.