Konami has confirmed to videogaming247 that anyone that can download the European beta for Metal Gear Online from April 17 onwards will be able to play: you don't have to pre-order anything.

"It's just a chance for anyone that downloads the game to play it at their leisure for a limited period, and then play it properly when it's released with MGS4," said a Konami Europe spokesperson.

As announced this morning, the beta will be made available for download from PSN on April 17. The beta itself runs from April 21 to May 6.