Sports Interactive has launched a new playtesting program for Football Manager 27 (FM27), opening early access to a wider group of fans. The initiative, run in partnership with FirstLook, allows players to register interest in testing early development builds before the game's traditional late Autumn release.
Expanded playtesting after FM26 struggles
The announcement follows a turbulent period for the studio. FM26 launched in November to widespread criticism, with Sports Interactive releasing near-weekly fixes for bugs and issues. The launch also came after the series' first gap year in its history. Now that FM26 has stabilised, the studio is shifting focus to FM27.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: "We understand the need to ensure feedback is heard ahead of the next FM, in sufficient time to be reviewed by internal teams. So, we are bringing our playtesting experience into a new era, partnering with FirstLook, allowing you to register your interest to play early builds through the final stages of development."
How the playtest works
The playtest is open to a "wider group" of fans, alongside in-house testing. Players who sign up via FirstLook's FM27 portal will be asked about their FM experience, as Sports Interactive aims to curate a pool of testers with varied histories with the game. Registration does not guarantee entry, as all submissions will be reviewed.
Successful applicants will gain early access to development builds featuring new features and improvements. They will also receive access to exclusive testing spaces on the Sports Interactive forums and Discord channel, allowing interaction with other testers and the community and development teams.
Feedback and in-studio testing
The spokesperson added: "All that we ask is that you play as much as possible and provide feedback, respond to surveys, along with reporting any bugs you find. The internal teams will then utilise this feedback to make further changes going forward."
In addition to online testing, Sports Interactive is conducting in-studio playtesting with players who have consistently provided useful feedback, be it positive or negative. Selected community members are being contacted by the SI Community Team, providing feedback in different environments to inform the studio's plans.
