While we all play out the dying embers of Football Manager 2024, we wait with bated breath for the next edition of our favourite football manager simulation. Well, we have received some news from SI head honcho Miles Jacobsen.
Football Manager 2025 release has been delayed until late November
In the June update, Miles Jacobsen told us that we would know the possible release date of Football Manager 2025 at the start of September. Here we are at the start of September, and it has now been revealed in an update that we won’t find out the release date until the end of the month.
He also stated that due to the game engine switching to Unity, the game is likely to be released at the end of November instead of its usual release date of early November.
It turns out the transition has not been as smooth as the SI team initially believed it would be. That is understandable, as the whole system is changing, which is not a small undertaking.
The deadline extension will hopefully mean that the game will not be released with major bugs, which has been the case with most of the FM games in living memory.
Obviously, SI doesn’t want to sacrifice the quality of the game by releasing it when it’s not really ready. Some would say they have made this error before in the past with other versions of the game.
With the latest edition being the first with a new engine, everybody connected with the project will be working to ensure its success.
Obviously, as a fan, I am disappointed with the fact that there is a delay. However, if SI believe they need the time, then so be it, as they know their game better than I do.
What, no international mode and other removed features
The update also revealed that you will no longer be able to manage international teams on FM25. This development may be a blow to certain people, as they like to attempt to win the World Cup, Euros, or any of the other major international tournaments.
SI believe that they couldn’t make the international mode good enough on FM25 with everything else going on with the game. As they stated, though, very few players use international mode, with their figures saying that only 5.6% of FM24 saves have used the mode.
NEW NEWS ON FOOTBALL MANAGER 2025:
✅ Official announcement of Football Manager 2025 delayed until late September
✅ Target launch date has been moved back to late November rather than early November
✅ International management will NOT be in the game – will only be in FM… pic.twitter.com/9o4B09YUpS
— Out of Context Football Manager (@nocontextfm1) September 4, 2024
For me, it’s not a devastating blow, to be honest. I don’t really play international mode, and apart from when I was younger and idealistic, wanting to win the World Cup in the game, I haven’t really thoroughly explored the mode in recent decades.
Some people have said they won’t be buying the game because this mode won’t be included. That would just be ridiculous. SI is attempting to make strides forward with the game with the new game system.
If it means that the quality of the game is intact, then it’s a sacrifice, as an FM player, I am willing to make in order for a better game. Other people may have different opinions on the subject, but that’s just life.
However, there is good news for those who play Football Manager Mobile, as international mode will still be available on that version. Therefore, if you are one of the small number of FM players that actually use international mode, then you can get your fix of action on your phone or tablet.
Another change to the game we will see in FM25 is that player’s weight will no longer be on their profiles. I have to admit it’s not something I look at when looking at player profiles. Does anyone else? I am not sure.
For me, removing the player’s weight is not an issue. According to Miles, the problem arose when they were creating profiles for the female players, with the women’s game coming to the game in the latest edition.
The women’s game being added could well be a big plus for some players and add a new dimension to an already in-depth game.
SI has stated that the reason for the weight being removed is that women athletes’ weight generally fluctuates more regularly than their male counterparts.
With that in mind, SI decided to remove a player’s weight from all player’s profiles. It seems like a minor issue, but it just shows the lengths that SI goes to that they are even thinking about these little details.
Will FM25 be worth the wait?
With past editions of FM, SI has attempted to make it better and more realistic. Some editions of the games haven’t undergone major overhauls. However, as we know, FM25 will be using a new game engine, which is a massive thing for any game.
It will basically make FM a brand-new game, which is exciting. Whether that is a good or bad thing, only time will tell. However, as FM players, we have to trust SI to make a game that all of us will enjoy and want to play regularly. Hopefully, the new, improved game is worth the wait.
Will FM25 be worth the wait when it’s released at the end of November?
