After a year of anticipation, the creators of Football Manager have announced the return of the beloved video game series. However, the decision to cancel the 2025 edition remains a topic of discussion. Miles Jacobson, the studio director at Sports Interactive, described the cancellation as “embarrassing,” but necessary to maintain the game’s quality.
Fans were left disappointed when Football Manager 2025 was initially delayed last year, only to be completely scrapped in February. Jacobson explained to BBC Newsbeat, “Things went wrong” during development. He emphasized, “We know that a lot of people are upset about it, but we did it for the right reasons.” The decision was driven by a commitment to quality, as Jacobson was not willing to release a product that did not meet the high standards expected by players.
Historical Context and Development Challenges
The Football Manager series has a rich history, originating as Championship Manager in 1992 before evolving into its current form in 2004. This marks the first time the game has paused its annual release cycle, a move that has sparked discussions among fans about the clarity of communication from the developers.
Jacobson noted that transparency was a priority, stating, “If we had released FM25 in the state that it was in, it wouldn’t have been good value for money and it would have damaged us forever.” He also highlighted the constraints of public company protocols, which required notifying the stock market before making public announcements, limiting their ability to provide early hints about the cancellation.
“It’s the most expensive decision we’ve ever made.” — Miles Jacobson
Looking Ahead: Football Manager 2026
Sports Interactive has shifted its focus to Football Manager 2026, promising significant technical and visual advancements. The new edition will feature a revamped game engine, updated graphics, and a new user interface. Jacobson admitted that the cancellation of FM25 impacted the development of FM26, particularly in the implementation of new features such as a WhatsApp-based communication system, which ultimately did not work as planned.
One of the most anticipated features of FM26 is the inclusion of women’s football. This addition required the creation of a new player database and motion-capture recordings to accurately represent female players. Jacobson had previously expressed concerns about the commercial viability of including women’s football, but a conversation with members of England’s Lionesses changed his perspective.
“At an event, some of [England’s] Lionesses came and told me that it would never be commercially viable unless people like us got behind it.” — Miles Jacobson
Community Reactions and Future Prospects
The decision to delay the inclusion of women’s football has been met with mixed reactions. Streamer and Football Manager player Gwen Archer expressed her initial frustration, stating, “It was upsetting to hear it being held back a year knowing that was such a big thing.” However, she remains optimistic about the potential impact of this inclusion.
“Including women’s football in the game will definitely open up a whole new experience for female gamers, those who identify as women – even male gamers as well will be able to connect on a deeper level.” — Gwen Archer
While the release date for FM26 has not been confirmed, Archer supports the developers’ decision to prioritize quality over speed. “A lot of people would have just put their game out knowing that the game wasn’t ready or up to the standard they feel comfortable with,” she said, expressing excitement for the upcoming release.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits Football Manager 2026, the decision to cancel FM25 serves as a reminder of the importance of quality assurance in game development. The move may have been costly, but it underscores Sports Interactive’s commitment to delivering a product that meets the expectations of its dedicated fanbase.
