SI have been releasing patches and updates, and have released a roadmap on how they want to move forwards with the game.
People still aren’t happy with this, and there are still problems.
I’ve got a list of 20 plus smaller issues I still have with the game but…
I think the biggest issue here is that it’s a yearly release.
I’d like to compare it to a Paradox grand strategy game, which on initial launch release often is pretty ropey and full of issues, but they normally go under so many patches and changes and iterations that they are virtually a different game by the time they’re finished updating them. Something like Stellaris is arguably about 4 different games at this point, depending on which patch version you use. And you know so long as their games have enough people playing them, they will continue to update it and improve it and make it so much better. But these Paradox games continue to be played and supported for 10 years before they bring out a sequel and have time for a whole cycle of improvements.
That isn’t happening with FM. We’ll have FM27 out before you know it and so most of those improvements and development of a new cycle of Football Manager games is looking towards another game we’re going to have to buy at full price.
Which I think is understandably why some people feel very differently about this.
With FM, we have been used to a yearly update with a new database and 5% of new content before we get patches throughout the year and a new game 10 months later.
This year, we have had a brand-new UI and a massively improved ME, but we will see the updates and patches to help improve the game, but it’s fair to say, we’re on yearlong beta programme – regardless what SI tell us.
The game is still massively playable and enjoyable – don’t believe me? Go load up FM24. It’s a completely different game, and I’m not sure it’s a better game. Different, yes. Better? No.
Am I enjoying FM26?
I still don’t know, but I’m playing it, and I have no intention of stopping…
