Sega and UK-based developer Sports Interactive have announced the cancellation of Football Manager 25 across all platforms, marking the first time the popular sports simulation series has missed a yearly release since its inception in 2004. The decision comes after a challenging development process, particularly with the transition to the Unity game engine, which caused significant issues with the player experience and interface.
The cancellation was revealed during Sega Sammy Holdings' latest financial results, which also included a writedown of costs related to the game. In a blog post to fans, Sports Interactive explained that the decision was made following "extensive internal discussion and careful consideration" with its parent company, Sega. IGN has confirmed that no job roles are affected by this news.
Sports Interactive also confirmed that there will be no update to Football Manager 24 with the 2024/25 season data, as it "would divert critical resources away from the development of the next release which requires our full focus." The developer is currently in talks with platform holders and licensors about potentially extending its FM24 agreements on subscription services like Game Pass.
FM25 had already faced two delays before its cancellation, with the latest delay pushing the release to March 2025. Sports Interactive is now focusing on Football Manager 26, which is expected to launch in the traditional November slot.
In their statement, Sports Interactive expressed gratitude to those who pre-ordered FM25 and apologized for the disappointment, offering refunds. They acknowledged the delays and the anticipation for the first gameplay reveal, explaining that due to legal and financial regulations, this was the earliest they could announce the cancellation.
The developer highlighted their commitment to delivering high-quality games that offer great value and enjoyment. They had aimed to make FM25 the most significant technical and visual advancement in the series for a generation, setting the stage for a new era. However, despite the team's efforts, they encountered numerous challenges, especially with the player experience and interface, which did not meet the desired standards even after multiple delays.
Sports Interactive emphasized that they could have released FM25 in its current state and fixed issues later, but chose not to, as it wouldn't meet the standards their fans deserve. They also noted that releasing beyond March would be too late in the football season for fans to purchase another game later in the year.
With the cancellation, the team's full focus is now on ensuring that Football Manager 26 meets their high standards and achieves the goals set for the series. Sports Interactive promised to provide updates on their progress as soon as possible and thanked fans for their patience and continued support.
