Free-to-Play Version of “PES 2016” Announced

In Addition to the Full Retail Version of the Game

By Bryan Smith on November 27, 2015 at 1:54pm

Konami UK announced that a free-to-play version of "PES 2016" will be available on December 8, 2015.

This free-to-play version of PES 2016 will offer an exhibition mode featuring seven major teams (Bayern Munich, Juventus, Brazil, France and more). Excitingly, the edition will also provide a full version of the hugely popular myClub mode, wherein users can build a superstar team from the ground up by purchasing players (via “agents”) with in-game currency or micro-transactions. With regular “special agent” campaigns offering the chance to net some incredible players, users will want to log onto myClub often to take advantage of these opportunities, so as to build the best squad possible!

The free-to-download version of PES 2016 will also offer a training mode and the ability to play other users online. Suffice to say, this is an amazing opportunity for those who have yet to take to the PES 2016 pitch, to experience the superb gameplay firsthand!

Konami also released a statement on myClub, which allows new players to teams.

Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. has announced a free-to-play edition of its best-selling PES 2016 football title for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3 and the PC version via Steam.

Starting December 8th, those who haven’t yet experienced PES 2016, this year’s highest rated football title for home gaming consoles, will be able to download a free, entry level version of the game which boasts an Exhibition Mode complete with the choice of 7 teams including Bayern Munich, Juventus, AS Roma, Brazil and France. There is also a full Training section and the popular myClub feature. This version will allow new users to experience PES 2016’s online and offline play, and unlimited access to the myClub mode wherein players use accrued in-game currency and micro-transactions to build a title-winning team.

myClub offers an incredible level of depth to PES 2016, and allows players to build a team of world stars. The myClub option has been massively improved since its launch last year, with player level systems, and key players exclusive to the mode. Players can use points acquired through success in matches, or with myClub coins, to experience realistic club management to develop a squad. The myClub rosters and stats are also updated on a weekly basis. More competitions, events and campaigns are constantly added, with players choosing their manager, recruiting coaches, developing playing styles and building a long-term strategy based on their specific aims. Build Your Team, Create Your Legacy!

PES 2016 was released on the back of unrivalled strong reviews praising its on-field action and realism, and became the first series to win the coveted ‘Best Sports Game’ award at gamescom, Europe’s largest consumer gaming event, for two years running. The free-to-play edition offers a perfect overview of the game’s stunning levels of control, and realistic interpretations of both teams and players via the Player ID and Team ID systems that ensure both play like their real-life counterparts.

The free-to-play edition will also be compatible with all future gameplay and content updates throughout the entire PES 2016 season updating automatically ensuring rosters are up to date and that PES 2016’s many stars are aligned to the form of their real-life counterparts.

How this will work in regards to the full retail version of "PES 2016" isn't known just yet or if there will be an imbalance due to the heavy use of microtransactions for the free-to-play version.