The beloved origin of the football management genre is making a triumphant return. Kevin Toms, the mastermind behind the original Football Manager, is set to release a revamped version on Steam, just in time for the kickoff of the Premier League season.
Originally programmed in 1982, Toms has updated the game for mobile as Football Star Manager. Now, on August 14, it’s coming to PCs, promising a nostalgic journey for seasoned fans and a fresh experience for newcomers.
The promotion for the Steam version features a cheeky trailer that boldly declares it “the original, the best, the only Football* Manager coming this year.” This jab at the recent cancellation of Sega and Sports Interactive’s Football Manager 25 adds an amusing layer to the game’s launch.
The trailer humorously highlights the lack of modern gaming features, suggesting players “forget about your graphics card” and “say goodbye to your family” as they delve back into retro management vibes. This wry commentary connects old-school gameplay with today’s eager market for nostalgia.
Toms’ original series concluded with Football Manager 3 in 1992. Since the name re-emerged with Football Manager 2005, the franchise has seen annual updates, culminating in the highly anticipated, yet delayed, Football Manager 25.
The cancellation was a significant blow, as it aimed to be a landmark release, introducing women’s football and an advanced graphics system via the Unity engine. Fans were eager for these changes, and the news of the shift back to the next installment leaves a palpable buzz in the community.
While Sega is also expanding its portfolio with the Western release of its long-standing Japanese football management title, SakaTsuku, the coming months are looking quite exploratory for football fans. As Sega Football Club Champions 2025 allows players easier access with a free-to-play model, questions remain about how much it borrows from the iconic Football Manager tech.