alt text: A promotional image for Football Manager 25, featuring a soccer player on the field.The highly anticipated sports simulation game, Football Manager 25, has been delayed from its initial November release window to March 2025. Developer Sports Interactive announced the postponement on Thursday, citing the need for additional development time to meet quality standards.
Reasons for the Delay
Sports Interactive explained the delay in statements published on X (formerly Twitter) and its official website. The studio stated that the extra time allocated after the initial delay from November 26th was insufficient to polish the game to the desired level of quality. The delay affects all versions of the game, including Football Manager 25 Touch for Nintendo Switch and the mobile edition.
Development Challenges
The studio previously acknowledged development challenges stemming from the transition to the Unity engine. This engine shift represents a significant change for the series, promising improved visuals and performance, along with the groundbreaking inclusion of women’s leagues. Studio director Miles Jacobson described the transition as more complex than initially anticipated in a previous blog post.
alt text: A screenshot of a Football Manager 25 match in progress, showcasing the game's new Unity engine graphics.This transition to Unity has also led to the removal of certain game modes, like international management, from the PC and Mac versions, though it will remain in the mobile version. Jacobson assured fans that this feature would return in Football Manager 26.
Looking Ahead
Despite the delay, Sports Interactive remains committed to delivering a high-quality experience. A new gameplay reveal is scheduled for the end of January, followed by an Advanced Access period for PC and Mac users. Pre-orders are currently available, with refund options offered to those who prefer not to wait.
Conclusion
While the delay is disappointing for eager fans, Sports Interactive’s commitment to quality and transparency is commendable. The transition to Unity and the inclusion of women’s leagues mark a significant evolution for the Football Manager series, making the wait for Football Manager 25 in March 2025 all the more anticipated.
