Football Manager 27 will be released in November, developers Sports Interactive has announced. The studio also promised to "learn from the past" by listening to community feedback regarding game features and fan communication.
Developer addresses fans in new video update
In a new video update, Sports Interactive's new Senior Community Manager Chris Groves promised fans that the studio is "restoring ideas and behaviours" from previous iterations of the game. With the game reaching its final stages of development, Groves directly addressed Football Manager fans.
Groves outlined how the game will evolve from Football Manager 26, while also incorporating the features fans want to see return from previous games. He said: "We're almost ready for kickoff.
"This update is all about making sure you're aware of where we are right now. First off, I'm very pleased to confirm FM27 will be released in November.
"We're in the final stages of development, which has been going really well. As soon as we're ready, we'll share that specific launch date alongside confirmed platforms."
Features and community feedback
"In terms of features and development, we're evolving the current design whilst restoring ideas and behaviours you value and that worked well in previous editions. Your feedback has been key to this, heavily influencing our decisions for FM27.
"The goal is to make the game easier to navigate and make the football world around you feel more alive and connected to your managerial journey. Overall, our focus has been simple; building a game you want to play again and again."
Sports Interactive has confirmed that pre-orders are on hold until more players get a detailed look at Football Manager 27. Groves confirmed plans for a series of deep dives beginning in September that will include breakdowns, developer insights and first looks at gameplay.
What comes next for Football Manager 27
Pricing will also be announced in the near future. Once pre-orders open, details on early access windows will be confirmed too.
Sports Interactive has reaffirmed its commitment to community engagement, as players have already been visiting Sports Interactive headquarters to test out early builds of FM27. The video, Sports Interactive says, is part of a deliberate focus on informing gamers about wider updates and "sharing more insight, more often".
Groves added: "Members of the community have been visiting the studio regularly to test an in-development version of FM27. This has landed well and the feedback is helping us refine the game further.
"On top of this, we were thrilled to see over 40,000 of you register interest for our remote playtesting program, which is due to roll out shortly. We can't wait to have more of you not just seeing, but playing what our team have been working on.
"We're learning from the past by making sure you're more in the loop with what's going on. So, you'll be seeing a lot more of me and my team from here on out.
"It's already been great to chat with some of you across the SI forums and Reddit. And on that note, an official Discord server for FM will go live in September, where you'll be able to connect with us, meet fellow players, and share your best saves and wonderkids, trophy lifts, and everything in between."
