In a surprising turn of events, Sega has announced that the highly anticipated Football Manager series will not see a new release for the 2025 season. In an official statement, Sega and Sports Interactive confirmed the cancellation of the game and assured that all preorders will be fully refunded.
The reason behind this decision is clear: the game, which had already been delayed twice, was simply not ready for release. The developers had promised a significant technological leap with the new installment, but they acknowledged that they couldn't meet their own high standards. This level of transparency is refreshing, especially when compared to other sports games that sometimes release with minimal changes (we're looking at you, NBA 2K!).
Despite the commendable honesty, the news is undoubtedly disappointing for fans. Adding to the frustration, the developers also confirmed that Football Manager 24 will not receive an update with the new season's data. This is a significant setback for players, particularly those who have used the game to hone their skills, with some even securing real-life managerial positions at football clubs based on their in-game success. Now, fans will have to make do with an outdated version of the game for the upcoming year.
All that remains is for the community to stay tuned for future updates from Sega and Sports Interactive. The wait for the next installment continues, but the hope is that the extra time will lead to a truly groundbreaking addition to the beloved Football Manager series.