In a significant announcement, Sports interactive have confirmed that the much-anticipated release of Football Manager 25 has been delayed. Originally slated for a November 2024 release, the new launch date is now set for March 2025 it was confirmed in an announcement released on the 9th October.
According to the announcement, the decision was not made lightly. The development team at Sports Interactive, in collaboration with SEGA, its licensors, and other partners, collectively agreed that delaying the release was in the best interest of the game and its players. The studio emphasised that additional time was needed to ensure that the quality of Football Manager 2025 would meet the high expectations of both the fans and the developers themselves.
The statement from Sports Interactive highlighted that although their September development update had already flagged the possibility of a delay, the team had hoped to stay on track for a November release. However, the development process has proven to be more challenging than anticipated. Despite the team’s best efforts, they have been unable to complete the necessary work to deliver the game on time without compromising on quality. This is likely because of the added task of upgrading the game to the new unity match engine as well as FM25 being the first Football Manager game to include women’s football, both of which are huge changes for the game.
SI acknowledged that pushing the release back was the right move, even if disappointing for many. As the release notes, the additional time afforded by the delay will allow the team to refine the game further and avoid the risk of rushing out an incomplete or subpar product. The studio admitted to feeling pressure from fans and the ticking clock but stressed that a rushed launch would have undermined the game’s long-term success.
The Challenges of Developing FM25
The delay points to larger issues faced by Sports Interactive during the development of FM25, which has been described as the most significant technical and visual leap in the series in a generation. According to the developers, the production cycle has been particularly difficult, with many elements of the game taking longer than initially planned. In response to fan feedback, SI admitted that the team was at risk of rushing key aspects of the game, which could have resulted in a compromised version of the beloved franchise.
Timelines for development were already tight, and many within the community had expressed concern over the apparent rush to meet deadlines particularly after the September update where it was announced that international management would not be included within FM25. Sports Interactive’s response confirmed that these concerns were justified. The delay is framed as a necessary step to prevent launching a game that did not meet their usual standards.
The pressure on the developers has been immense. With FM25 marking a new era for the series, both technically and visually, the team is determined to make sure this latest iteration lives up to its promise. The March 2025 release window gives them more time to deliver a product they are proud of, without compromising on the quality that fans have come to expect.
What This Means for Football Manager Fans
The news of the delay will undoubtedly be met with frustration from the game’s dedicated fanbase. For those who had pre-ordered the game, Sports Interactive acknowledged the inconvenience and offered the option to claim a refund through their respective retailers.
However, fans will not be left completely in the dark during this extended wait. While the game itself won’t be available until March, Sports Interactive has promised to release a new gameplay reveal in January 2025, offering fans a glimpse into what they can expect from this next-generation version of Football Manager. Additionally, the PC/Mac version will have an advanced access period, which will take place before the official release date, although further details on this will be provided at a later time.
Despite the delay, there is still palpable excitement surrounding FM25. The game is expected to usher in a new era for the Football Manager franchise, with major upgrades in both gameplay mechanics and visual presentation. While Sports Interactive has been tight-lipped about the specifics, they have previously alluded to the game being a groundbreaking step forward for the series.
With such high expectations, it’s clear that the decision to delay the release is tied to ensuring the game does justice to these ambitions. Football Manager is one of the most enduring and beloved simulation franchises in gaming, and maintaining the high standard it has set over the years is crucial to its continued success.
While the delay of Football Manager 2025 will be a blow for many eager fans, it’s clear that Sports Interactive is committed to delivering a polished, complete product. The additional time will allow the developers to perfect the game, ensuring that it meets the high expectations of the gaming community and lives up to the hype surrounding this next major chapter in the series’ evolution.
What To Expect Over The Next Few Months
For now, FM fans will have to be patience although many have taken to forums such as reddit and X to vent their frustrations. The development team has expressed its gratitude for the continued support from the community and its understanding during what has been a challenging time. While the new release date might seem far off, the promise of a superior gaming experience should help ease the sting of the wait.
You can read more about the UI changes in FM25 here as well as information about the Premier League being officially licensed in FM25.