Football Manager 25 cancelled as Sports Interactive shifts focus to next release
Photo from Sports Interactive
Football Manager 25 cancelled as Sports Interactive shifts focus to next release
Sports Interactive has officially announced the cancellation of Football Manager 25 (FM25) following extensive internal discussions and consultations with SEGA. The decision, described as a difficult but necessary move, aims to redirect efforts toward the next major release of the franchise.
A Disappointing Turn for Fans
The announcement comes as a major blow to fans who have been eagerly anticipating FM25, especially after previous delays pushed its expected launch to March 2025. The studio acknowledged the frustration this news may bring and apologized for the timing of the communication, explaining that legal and financial regulations prevented them from sharing the decision any sooner.
Sports Interactive regret to inform that we have made the difficult decision to cancel Football Manager 25.
Full statement: https://t.co/0eUMryrqbg pic.twitter.com/9kxgXQCgJG
— Football Manager (@FootballManager) February 7, 2025
“For the large numbers of you who pre-ordered FM25, we thank you enormously for your trust and support – we’re very sorry to have let you down,” the statement reads. Sports Interactive has assured that refunds will be issued automatically for purchases made through official SEGA-approved retailers.
Discussions across social media platforms reflect a mix of understanding and frustration, with some expressing concerns about the future direction of the series.
Prominent Football Manager content creators have also shared their thoughts on the cancellation. Tom “TomFM” Kelsey addressed the news on his X, stating that this was “Not the news we wanted. Nothing we can do to change it.
Luke “Omega Luke” Robinson weighed on the announcement, stating that “Cancelling the game instead of bringing out a broken one is probably for the best but I can’t help but feel so disappointed in how this has all played out.”
Why Was FM25 Canceled?
FM25 was set to be the biggest technical and visual overhaul in the series’ history, marking a new era for the franchise. However, despite the team’s best efforts, the game failed to meet the studio’s quality standards in key areas, particularly in overall player experience and interface.
While some elements of the game hit their targets, SI stated that their extensive evaluation and consumer playtesting revealed that FM25 still wasn’t at the level expected by both the developers and the fanbase.
The studio faced numerous challenges throughout development, some of which had been publicly acknowledged in previous updates. However, unforeseen obstacles further hindered progress. Even with the adjusted timeline, it became clear that FM25 would not be able to meet expectations without significant further delays. Rather than releasing an unfinished product and attempting to fix it post-launch, Sports Interactive opted to cancel the game entirely.
What Happens Next?
With FM25 officially off the table, the studio is now fully focused on its next major release. While no concrete details have been shared, Sports Interactive has promised updates as soon as they are available.
Additionally, FM24 will not receive a seasonal data update for the 2024/25 season. The developers explained that such an update would require significant resources, which they believe are better allocated to ensuring the quality of the next Football Manager title.
As for FM24’s availability on subscription platforms, discussions are ongoing with platform partners and licensors. The studio hopes to extend agreements to keep the game accessible, with more details to be shared in due course.
For those who pre-ordered FM25 through official SEGA-approved retailers, full refunds will be processed automatically. Players who purchased the game elsewhere are advised to contact their point of purchase for further assistance.
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