SEGA and Sports Interactive have announced a delay for the highly anticipated Football Manager 25, shifting its release from November 26 to March 2025. The game will be available on various platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS, and Android.
In a statement regarding the delay, Sports Interactive emphasized the importance of delivering a high-quality gaming experience. “After careful consideration, Sports Interactive have made the tough decision to further delay the release of Football Manager 25.” The decision follows discussions with SEGA and other licensors, affirming that more time is needed to meet the expectations of players.
The development team previously announced a postponement in September, citing the need for additional time to ensure the game meets their rigorous standards. However, the challenges in the development cycle have persisted. Timelines have been tighter than anticipated, and despite the team’s hard work, they realized they were rushing the project, which could compromise quality. The studio acknowledged, “This has put an enormous amount of pressure on everyone working across the studio, who are all passionately committed to delivering the best game possible.”
The forthcoming title represents a significant technical and visual upgrade in the series, marking a pivotal moment in its history. Rushing the release would not align with the studio’s values or commitment to quality. They stated, “We simply cannot compromise the delivery of this crucial juncture in Football Manager’s history by rushing to release it in November.”
Sports Interactive expressed gratitude to players who have already pre-ordered the game, acknowledging the disappointment this delay may cause. They added, “Given the delay, however, should you wish to claim a refund, please contact your retailer.”
The announcement also addressed the Advanced Access feature for PC and Mac users, stating it will still be available prior to the new release date. The studio plans to provide updates as they finalize details regarding this access. Additionally, the gameplay reveal has been rescheduled for the end of January 2025.
Despite the setbacks, Sports Interactive remains committed to creating an exceptional experience for players. “We share that disappointment and are extremely sorry.” They appreciate the patience and support from the community as they strive to usher in a new era for Football Manager.