When it comes to popular sports titles that feature annual releases, the likes of FIFA, Madden, and NBA 2K see the most attention due to their top editors, EA and 2K respectively. However, one of the biggest franchises in PC gaming is the Football Manager series, developed by longtime UK developers Sports Interactive and published by SEGA.
While football in North America still lags behind other regions when it comes to football popularity, Europe in particular has an immense love for the sport, and the Football Manager games offer one of the most in-depth and enjoyable simulations of the beautiful game from a manager's point of view. With 20 years of experience in the genre, the developers continue to bring new features and improve the game to continue its level of authenticity.
The level of popularity of the series is such that the 2020 edition of the game has reached the top of the list of most popular games on Xbox Game Pass for PC after being added in April and continues to feature high on the list. months later. The 2019 edition saw similar levels of popularity when the series first launched on the subscription service last year.
Typically, the series' release dates coincide with the start of the new season after the major European leagues transfer window closes. This gives Sports Interactive time to make sure all the players are on their right team and working with the interface and all the new features. The release dates for each entry have been in the first half of November, although in recent years a beta of the game has been available approximately two weeks before release for any player who pre-purchases.
However, leagues across the world this year have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, causing delays and disruption in schedules. This means that the transfer windows will be delayed and that the start of the new seasons will be later than normal. It also means that development has been more difficult for this year's new edition.
As it stands, there is no confirmed release date for the 2021 edition of the game. However, a post from studio director Miles Jacobson has confirmed that due to development issues caused by the game. coronavirus, the game will be released later than what the team originally aimed for.
With that, a release frame in early December is a more realistic proposition, although an early purchase beta may also be available for this year's edition.
