Football Manager 2025 Developers Discuss Limitations of Updating FM24 Database

In light of the recent announcement regarding the postponement of Football Manager 2025 to March 2025, many fans were optimistic that Sports Interactive might refresh the player data for FM24. However, the developers have confirmed that such an update will not take place, providing reasoning for their decision.

It’s widely recognized that development for Football Manager 2025 has faced some hurdles. Initially, the community expressed concerns when pre-orders opened without any preview of the game, further compounded by the subsequent delay from November 2024 to early 2025.

This new timeline means that the game will launch well into the domestic football season, prompting fans to request a comprehensive database update for FM24. Such an update would enable players to utilize updated rosters and squads for the 2024/25 season without incorporating the new features scheduled for the next installment.

Nevertheless, after considerable deliberation following the announcement of the delay, Sports Interactive has determined that the task of syncing FM24 with the extensive changes coming in FM25 is simply too demanding.

“After assessing the amount of work required and despite a positive initial response from our licensing partners, adapting assets intended for FM25 to function in FM24 would necessitate complete recreation,” they explained in an official statement.

“The same restrictions apply to the numerous adjustments in competition regulations, translations, and database modifications that cannot be carried over.”

Clarification on the impossibility of an FM24 Data Update before the anticipated release of FM25 in March. pic.twitter.com/IKrR6cGtIE

— Football Manager (@FootballManager) October 22, 2024

Ultimately, as FM25 is still in development, the primary reason for discontinuing the FM24 update is that the team prefers to concentrate their resources on delivering the high-quality football simulation experience that the community anticipates.

“This is a significant undertaking that would divert essential resources away from ensuring FM25 meets the highest standards, a compromise we simply cannot afford,” they further stated.

Additionally, they mentioned that players eager to avoid waiting for FM25 during the new season can request a refund through their retailer. Once released early next year, fans can expect to “relearn” aspects of the game, given the anticipated changes.

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