Football Manager 25, originally scheduled for a March 2025 launch, has been unexpectedly canceled by Sports Interactive, leaving fans disappointed. The decision follows extensive discussions with SEGA, redirecting efforts toward future editions. Initially, the game promised exciting features, including women’s football and a new user interface. Pre-orders will be refunded, and while players can look forward to future announcements, the anticipated title will not be released as planned.
Unexpected Cancellation of Football Manager 25
Football Manager 25 was originally set to launch in March 2025, but in a surprising twist, the developers announced just a month prior that the game would be shelved altogether. This news has left fans of the franchise scratching their heads and eagerly seeking answers.
For many football aficionados, Football Manager serves as the ultimate escape, allowing players to take charge of their favorite clubs. The thrill of elevating a lower-tier team to Champions League glory is an unparalleled experience that keeps players engaged for countless hours. Consequently, anticipation for FM25 was at an all-time high, but unfortunately, that excitement will not materialize.
Developers’ Announcement on FM25
On February 6, 2025, Sports Interactive, the studio behind the beloved series, issued a blog post confirming the cancellation of FM25. They stated, “After extensive internal discussions and careful deliberation with SEGA, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Football Manager 25 and redirect our efforts toward the next edition.”
The studio acknowledged the disappointment this news would bring, especially after the game’s release date had already been postponed twice, leaving fans eager for the first look at gameplay.
For those who pre-ordered the game, there is no cause for concern; the developers promised that full refunds would be processed in the upcoming weeks.
Original Release Schedule and Platform Availability
Initially, Football Manager 25 was slated for a March 2025 release. Traditionally, the game debuts in early November, but this year saw a slight delay, shifting the date to November 26. The late cancellation was attributed to “stakeholder compliance requirements, specifically related to legal and financial regulations.”
FM25 was expected to be accessible on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC/Mac, Mobile (via Netflix), and Nintendo Switch with FM Touch. Xbox Game Pass subscribers were also set to enjoy the game on launch day through the service.
It’s important to note that each platform will offer different features; for instance, PC/Mac users can load an unlimited number of nations, while the console version is limited to 10 nations and the Touch/Mobile version to just 5.
Exciting Features and Notable Changes
One of the most exciting additions to FM25 was the introduction of women’s football, although specific details about the included championships have yet to be disclosed. The game was also set to debut a revamped user interface due to the transition to the Unity engine, fundamentally changing navigation with the inbox no longer serving as the game’s homepage. This engine upgrade promises new animations and an enhanced match day experience, refreshing the Football Manager landscape.
Despite these exciting changes, some features will be phased out. Most notably, player weight data will no longer be available. Miles Jacobson from Sports Interactive explained, “In developing our database for women’s football, we discovered that while male athletes’ weights might vary slightly over time, women’s weights can fluctuate significantly, sometimes weekly.” This insight led to the decision to remove weight data for all players in FM25.
Additionally, the role of national team manager will no longer be accessible, as Jacobson noted that it would not meet quality standards and only 6% of users engaged with that feature.
Looking Ahead
More information about Football Manager 25 is anticipated soon, including additional features that may be introduced. The first trailer, titled “The New Era,” was released on September 30; however, it does not offer a comprehensive overview of gameplay or specific features just yet. Fans can look forward to more announcements as the anticipated release date approaches.
For those interested, Football Manager 25 is currently available for pre-order on PC/Mac, with a 10% discount for early purchases.