Release of Football Manager 25 Postponed Until 2025

In a significant announcement today, Sports Interactive and its publisher, Sega, have delayed the launch of the much-anticipated video game, Football Manager 25, until March 2025. Initially slated for release on November 26, 2024, for PC, PS5, and Xbox, with a Nintendo Switch version following on December 3, the new timeline pushes the release to a few months before the European Champions League Final in 2025.

This decision came following internal discussions, with the focus on ensuring the product lives up to the high standards expected by the developers and fans alike. The company’s statement reflects a sentiment that “after careful consideration,” this delay was necessary to ensure the quality and experience of the game meet both the developers’ and players’ expectations.

In a statement released today, Sports Interactive explained that the additional time they had previously allocated for development was still insufficient. “In our last Development Update in September, we mentioned needing more time to deliver the best possible experience for this first installment in a new era of Football Manager,” the developer stated.

They acknowledged the “difficult development cycle” and the pressure of tight timelines which threatened their usual standards. “We were simply rushing too much,” the statement conveyed, outlining the necessity to delay.

Describing Football Manager 25 as a “biggest technical and visual advancement in the series for a generation,” the company emphasized the importance of timing in this “crucial juncture in Football Manager’s history.” They also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the series’ reputation, which has been a staple in the gaming world for football enthusiasts worldwide.

The announcement provided reassurance to those who have pre-ordered the game, offering refund options through respective retailers if desired due to the delay. Furthermore, an early access version is planned, with a gameplay reveal now scheduled for the end of January 2025.

Miles Jacobson, head of Sports Interactive, was candid in an interview, admitting, “It’s been a difficult year,” but he expressed hope, viewing it as a “great learning experience.” The newest installment features significant updates including fully licensed Premier League teams, and for the first time, inclusion of women’s football, which is aimed at creating “one world, one ecosystem,” according to Sega.