Sega has delivered surprising news to fans of the niche yet beloved Football Manager series: there will be no new installment for the 2025 season. In an official statement, Sega and Sports Interactive announced the cancellation of the game, promising refunds for all preorders.
The reason behind this decision? The game, which had already faced two delays, was deemed too unfinished to release. The developers had ambitiously promised a significant technological leap with the new installment, but unfortunately, they were unable to meet their own high standards. This level of transparency is refreshing, especially when compared to other sports simulators that may release minimally updated versions year after year (ahem, NBA 2K).
Despite the commendable honesty, the news is undoubtedly disappointing for fans. To add to the frustration, the developers confirmed that Football Manager 24 will not receive updates with new season data. This is a significant setback, particularly for players who have historically used the game's success as a springboard to real-life coaching opportunities. For the next year, fans will have to make do with an outdated version of the game.
Now, all that remains is to await future announcements from Sega and Sports Interactive, hoping for better news in the coming seasons.