Football Manager fans will get a free taster of the latest entry in the long-running sports sim. Starting next week, developers Sports Interactive are offering players the chance to try Football Manager 27 before its official release date in November.
Launch Preview Dates and Platforms
The Football Manager 27 Launch Preview will go live for PC and Mac gamers on Thursday, October 29 at 6pm BST. Available across Steam, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, the Microsoft Store and Epic Store, it will run for five days until Tuesday, November 3.
Fans will be able try all of the game's modes on the Launch Preview build, which replaces the traditional pre-release beta or advanced access. Players don't need to sign up, either - it'll be available to play without registration on the above platforms.
What to Expect from the Preview
While Sports Interactive warns that the Launch Preview version of the game contains information still yet to be approved by rights holders, the studio claims it is "intended to be a version that is closer in quality and finality to launch that previous early play builds". All saves created during the free play period will be available to continue once FM27 launches on November 10.
Furthermore, anyone who pre-purchases Football Manager 27 between 6pm on November 3 and launch will get 10 per cent off and continued access to the Launch Preview once the free play period closes. However, the discount and extra early access only applies to purchases made via retailers approved by SEGA.
A Sports Interactive spokesperson added: "The FM27 Launch Preview replaces what has previously been titled Beta / Advanced Access and is intended to be a version that is closer in quality and finality to launch than previous early play builds.
"All saves started during the free play period can be continued through to both the paid Launch Preview and full launch without the need to start again.
"With a clearer interface, enhanced match engine and new layers of control on the training ground and touchline with the introductions of Tactical Tweaks and Tactical Effectiveness, FM27 invites discovery from the moment your career begins."
New Features in FM27
A host of new features have been announced and revealed for FM27 ahead of launch. Sports Interactive have promised a "more intuitive full-scren experience" following negative feedback on FM26's user interface and experience.
Furthermore, the return of cup draws and transfer deadline day are designed to re-establish an immersive football world in-game, and there are updates to the match day experience and fresh customisation options.
