How Do You Rate FM26? Developers Respond to Fan Concerns About FM27
Football Manager developers met with fans in Seoul to discuss the transition to a new engine, the potential of artificial intelligence, and specific gameplay mechanics. The discussion covered everything from tactical flexibility and transfer realism to how the team evaluates their previous release.
During a recent fan meeting in Seoul dedicated to Football Manager 27 (FM27), Sports Interactive (SI) representatives addressed a series of pointed questions. The discussion spanned from the technical challenges of the Unity engine transition to specific gameplay mechanics causing frustration among veterans. Topics included the integration of generative AI, the realism of transfer markets in the K League, and the tactical precision of the match engine.
Technology and AI: Long-term Prospects
One of the most discussed topics was the use of generative AI in player-manager interactions and press conferences. Manager Andrew Sinclair explained that while text input fields already allow players to type comments, implementing full AI is a long-term goal. The primary challenge lies in supporting over 20 languages and ensuring responses remain contextually accurate across all localizations.
Regarding graphics, Associate Game Director Rémy Boicherot noted that the transition to Unity offers significant potential for improving the appearance of generated players. The team is actively working to ensure that 'fake' player faces do not look artificial, especially during long-term saves spanning many in-game years.
Tactics and Gameplay
Fans expressed concerns regarding 'overpowered tactics' that could lead to gameplay homogenization. Rémy Boicherot assured that the team monitors community discussions closely. If a specific tactic becomes excessively dominant or deviates from real-world football, adjustments will be made. However, SI emphasized that they do not intentionally block specific playstyles but rather aim for balance.
The issue of players hitting the woodwork too frequently was also addressed. Developers explained that this is a result of the interaction between player attributes and the physics engine. While the statistical frequency of hitting the woodwork in FM27 is closer to real-world data than in FM26, the team will continue to monitor the situation if players perceive it as overly dramatic.
Evaluating FM26 and the Foundation for FM27
When asked directly how the team rates FM26, Rémy Boicherot acknowledged that the Unity transition involved massive technical hurdles, from rebuilding the database to adapting various league rules to new tools. However, this process has established a solid foundation. According to the director, with the groundwork now laid, the focus for FM27 shifts toward polishing the gameplay and enhancing the overall user experience.
A key takeaway from the meeting was the developers' commitment to deepening management roles. This includes expanding the Sporting Director's influence and allowing for more granular control over tactical player movements to prevent overlapping runs in half-spaces.
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