The past year has been quite "tumultuous" for Football Manager, the evergreen sports simulation series. To enhance visual presentation and optimize performance, developer Sports Interactive announced after the release of Football Manager 2024 that they would abandon their proprietary engine in favor of Unity for the new title. At the same time, plans to include women's football content for the first time in Football Manager 25 led to a massive workload backlog and severely lagging development efficiency. Ultimately, after multiple delays, Football Manager 25 was cancelled earlier this year, leaving players to look forward to Football Manager 26, scheduled for release on November 5th this year.
Undoubtedly, Football Manager 26 has become one of the most anticipated entries in recent years. After a year without a new release, series fans are eagerly awaiting this polished title to inject fresh blood into the franchise. Taking advantage of the Tokyo Game Show, we interviewed Miles Jacobson, Studio Director at developer Sports Interactive, on-site. Let's see what exclusive "transfer window intel" he brings us.
Q: Football Manager 26 is launching on console platforms this time. Could you introduce it to us?
A:The console version of Football Manager 26 is very close to the PC version, also using the Unity engine, with better graphics and a redesigned UI. This is the first time in nearly 20 years that we can call it a "brand new game," launching on Xbox, PlayStation 5, and Switch. Notably, the console version has been specially optimized for controller input by dedicated designers. Meanwhile, the game also offers a good experience on PC handhelds like the Steam Deck.
Q: What do you consider the most difficult aspect to represent in the "Football Manager" series?
A:I think the most challenging aspect is match authenticity. Many games allow for creative freedom, but our core focus is simulation, so we must stay close to real-life football matches. Football Manager 26 introduces new motion data, utilizing motion capture technology and partnering with Hawk-Eye to extract information from real-match camera footage for use in the game, making the match visuals more realistic. Additionally, the AI in the match engine is crucial; we need to ensure players react correctly. The game allows setting up formations for both on-ball and off-ball situations, enabling players to respond intelligently based on different scenarios. I am proud of what the team has achieved with these improvements.
Q: Football Manager 26 adds women's football. Are men's and women's football separate gameplay systems in the game? How is the ability rating system for female players structured? Does it reference men's football?
A:The ability rating system for female players adopts a relatively independent structure. For example, the fastest player in women's football might have a speed rating of 20, similar to men's football, but this doesn't mean their actual speeds are identical. This mirrors the logic of separate men's and women's events in the Olympics. Within the same save file, players can manage either men's or women's teams. Some coaches and staff can transfer along with the team, but players will not mix.
Q: The addition of women's football in Football Manager 26 means the database will expand significantly. Will this affect the game's performance efficiency?
A:At the start of the game, players can choose which league data to load, and women's football can be selected as a new league. In addition to women's football, new men's leagues have also been added. Football Manager 26 has improved overall performance efficiency, so selecting additional leagues won't cause significant issues.
Q: Football Manager 26 underwent a costly engine switch to Unity. From which aspects can players intuitively feel the difference?
A:The most intuitive change is the UI—it has been completely redesigned with significant alterations. Players may need time to adapt, but once familiar, it will feel more convenient. There are also some improvements in visual presentation. Our previous engine had been in use for 30 years, so switching engines is like trading in an old car for a new one; although adaptation is required, the advantages are clear. This engine transition is the first step in our development plan for the next 20 years, and further improvements will follow.
Q: Football Manager 25 was supposed to launch last year but was ultimately cancelled. Were any major changes decided upon during this process?
A:Football Manager 25 was cancelled because its quality did not meet expectations. We attempted major changes but failed, ultimately deciding to start over. The UI in Football Manager 26 is completely different from the development version of Football Manager 25. We invited a new lead to oversee graphics and animation improvements and carried out extensive other work. Although development never stopped, there wasn't enough time to guarantee quality. We couldn't accept releasing an imperfect product, so cancelling was the right decision. Thanks to SEGA for their support.
Q: The "Football Manager" series is known for being text-heavy. Will the UI be optimized accordingly for platforms like PC handhelds and Switch?
A:We have made some adjustments, but the text remains relatively small. For example, on Switch, I personally need to wear glasses when playing. However, thanks to the Unity engine, the font rendering is clear and generally readable. If players find the text too small, they can choose other platforms.
Q: So, which platform do you recommend for playing Football Manager 26?
A:In terms of handheld experience, the Steam Deck OLED performs well with a clearer screen. I personally often play on PC and Mac, and the experience on a 14-inch Mac is very comfortable. The iPad version is also good. But please don't misunderstand; Switch and PC handhelds also run the game well. Aside from the slightly smaller text, the gameplay experience is fine. The best experience is naturally on large-screen devices, but considering different players' budgets and usage environments, we offer multi-platform versions so everyone can choose according to their needs.
Q: SEGA has another football management game called "Club Creator." Are you familiar with this IP? If so, have the two teams exchanged any insights during development?
A:Yes, SEGA's internal studios respect each other; we are partners, not competitors. I'm wearing a Like a Dragon studio T-shirt today because I'm also a fan of the "Like a Dragon" series. This series includes many SEGA IPs and serves as a great example of internal collaboration. During the development of SEGA New Club Creator, there were some materials that were difficult to obtain, and we were happy to help. SEGA promotes the "ONE SEGA" philosophy, hoping all games succeed. Although we both make football-themed games, the actual gameplay differs—Football Manager is more of a simulator, while theirs leans more towards arcade-style gameplay, so we're glad to share resources.
Many years ago, we also assisted the "Pro Evolution Soccer" series. We are happy to see other football games succeed and are honored to see the "Powered by Football Manager" label in SEGA New Club Creator. We are like one big family.
Q: Previously, Sports Interactive decided to remove player weight data, which sparked some discussion. What are your thoughts on this?
A:Weight is volatile data, especially for female players. In the past, players frequently requested corrections to their weight, sometimes even involving lawyers, which caused considerable trouble. Therefore, we replaced it with a body type metric.
Q: You mentioned earlier that you really like "Like a Dragon." Will there be any collaboration between "Football Manager" and "Like a Dragon" in the future?
A:I am personally looking forward to a collaboration, but there are no concrete plans at the moment. I've seen the "Two Point" series collaborate with SEGA IPs, which I greatly envy. The Like a Dragon studio is also incredibly talented, and I'm a huge fan. If the opportunity arises in the future, I would certainly welcome it. However, for now, collaboration is not on the agenda.
Q: Finally, please say a few words to the players who have always supported the "Football Manager" series.
A:Sincere thanks to fans worldwide for their support. Football Manager 2024 surpassed 20 million players, and even after more than 20 months since release, 2 million people are still playing, which is deeply appreciated. Football Manager 26 marks a new beginning, signaling the start of our development path for the next 20 years. I hope everyone enjoys this journey, approves of our direction, and appreciates the time invested. Please continue your support, thank you!