The cancellation of FM25 last week sent shockwaves through the community. For nearly two decades, SI have released a new installment every year, but with FM25 cancelled, it marks a major disruption in the series.

The decision, following months of anticipation, has left players and creators looking for answers. As someone who was excited for the release, especially with the introduction of women’s football, the news felt like a 94th-minute highlight when you’re seconds away from winning the Champions League.

Why FM25’s Cancellation Hits Hard

For many, Football Manager is more than a game; it’s a way of life.

Since its debut in 2004, we have eagerly awaited new Football Manager releases. The annual November launch became an event, offering updated squads and new features. With FM25 scratched off the calendar, many have felt the loss of this yearly ritual.

FM25 was billed as the start of a “new era.” SI promised advancements like the Unity engine and the introduction of women’s football. But with the cancellation, this means these features will have to wait until FM26.

The lack of communication was frustrating. FM25 was originally set to be released in November 2024; it was then delayed until March 2025, and we were promised an update in January.

January ended, and all we had was silence. That’s up until last week anyway, when the cancellation was announced.

The whole experience has left many feeling let down by the company they’ve invested so much time in supporting.

Why SI’s Decision Might Be a Smart Move

While the cancellation of FM25 is a blow, there are still reasons to believe it could pay off.

SI’s decision to cancel FM25 instead of releasing a buggy or incomplete game is commendable (remember Cyberpunk 2077?). They have always aimed for quality, and this move shows a commitment to their reputation.

With FM25 cancelled, SI can now focus fully on developing FM26, which, in theory, will release in November 2025. The extra time will allow them to fine-tune the new Unity engine and features like women’s football; maybe they’ll even bring back international management.

SI have given full refunds for anyone who preordered the game, which shows respect for their loyal fans. This gesture helps soften the blow for those who had already financially committed.

What We Need from SI

Rebuilding the faith of the community won’t be easy, but there are some steps SI could take.

They must give clear and regular updates about the development of FM26. By sharing both successes and challenges, they can rebuild the lost confidence. They must also go beyond the promises made for FM25; by skipping a release, many of us expect a polished and fully working game when FM26 comes out.

Meeting these expectations will go a long way to winning back the trust of the community.

My Personal Thoughts

To say I’m disappointed would be putting it lightly; I’m gutted by the cancellation. FM has always been more than a game to me; it’s a creative outlet and has given me a connection to people I would never usually meet. The excitement I had for FM25 was genuine; I couldn’t wait to create content around women’s football.

But now, I’m sitting staring at my drafts and wondering where to go next. I’ve spent months researching and developing ideas, and there’s definitely the thought of feeling like I’ve wasted all those hours preparing for nothing.

However, I do respect SI for making the decision to prioritise quality over deadlines. Despite it leaving me a little lost, I understand the value of waiting a little longer for a better product. Though maybe I should start brushing up on my EAFC skills just in case…

Looking Forward

While the cancellation stings, we have to remember it will lead to a better FM26. For us content creators, we just have to find new ways to engage our audience until then. Whether it’s revisting older saves or going down a completely different route, we’ll adapt.

Football Manager isn’t just about winning (though it’s always nice to); it’s also about resilience. So while we may not have FM25, we have hope for the future.

Ultimately, SI have fully embraced realism. Because what screams “football management” more than promising big things during pre-season only to fall apart under pressure when the season starts.

But, hey, at least they didn’t blame VAR.