A Year Without Football Manager: The Build-Up to FM26

It's hard to believe that almost two years have passed since the last Football Manager game graced our screens. The absence has sparked a whirlwind of mixed emotions among fans—frustration, disappointment, and now a burgeoning excitement as Sports Interactive prepares to unveil Football Manager 26. Recent teasers posted on social media have generated a staggering 25,000 likes and 1.4 million views within an hour, indicating that the fervor for the franchise remains undiminished.

Unveiling the Mystery Behind FM25's Cancellation

However, the excitement has been tempered by the abrupt cancellation of Football Manager 25 in February 2025, just three months after its originally scheduled release. In an exclusive interview with Miles Jacobson, the studio director of Sports Interactive, we delve into the reasons behind this major setback. Jacobson described the past 12 months as 'embarrassing' for the company as they aimed to take their flagship title to new heights.

A Legacy in Jeopardy: The History of Football Manager

For newcomers, Football Manager, originally launched as Championship Manager in 1992, allows players to step into the shoes of a football club manager, making strategic decisions that can lead them to glory or defeat. Since rebranding in 2004, the series has released yearly installments, but the absence of a new game for the 2024-25 season has left fans clinging to Football Manager 2024 for longer than anticipated.

Jacobson's Regret: The Apology to Fans

Jacobson expressed his regret to the community, acknowledging the responsibility they bear in providing an escape for fans through their game. He insisted that pulling FM25 was undoubtedly the right decision after realizing that core features were drastically missing during the testing phase.

Technological Woes: The Switch to Unity

The faulty transition to a new game engine, Unity, added to their woes. Jacobson likened the experience to switching from Windows to Mac, revealing the major challenges of adapting their programming language. A project dubbed 'Project Dragonfly' was implemented to facilitate the switch, yet underestimated complexities resulted in the cancellation.

Financial Fallout: The Impact on Sega

The financial implications of this decision were serious, with Sega's stock prices falling nearly 4% following the cancellation announcement. Jacobson stated, 'Financially, it was a disaster,' as losing the revenue from this annual game was a significant hit. Yet, in the face of adversity, Sega has been supportive, recognizing the importance of quality over hasty releases.

Listening to Fans: The Future of Football Manager

In the wake of criticism over their communication strategy during this tumultuous period, Jacobson admitted they had misjudged when to engage with fans. Expectations for FM26 are high, but he assured gamers that it would not simply be a rehash of FM25's ambitions. Instead, it combines elements from both FM25 and FM24, alongside exciting innovations, including the introduction of women's football.

A New Era: What's Next for FM26?

With development already underway for FM26, the team is optimistic about the future. Jacobson expressed joy upon seeing improvements in user interface design, signaling a turning point for the project. Sports Interactive aims to deliver a game that encapsulates the essence of Football Manager while also innovating for the next generation.

Conclusion: A Comeback in the Making

As anticipation builds for FM26, fans can hold their heads high knowing that the team behind Football Manager is dedicated to delivering a product worthy of its legacy. With challenges faced head-on and lessons learned, the future of this beloved franchise looks brighter than ever.