Football Manager 2024 game is the latest evolution in Sports Interactive’s iconic football management series. The biggest edition of the year brings a number of big new features.
A range of new player development improvements include a new system for recognising ‘Late Developers’, who may not hit their potential ceiling until later in their career. Other changes include an overhaul of AI managers and a new way to sell players.
Enhanced player movement
Sports Interactive’s developers have added a whole host of new features to Football Manager 2024 that aim to further immerse players into the managerial role. This includes an overhaul of the way AI managers select their match-day squads. The game will now take into account the player’s potential ability rather than their current performance capability when shortlisting them for a role.
The game’s ball physics have also been upgraded with the goal of making every touch feel more realistic. These adjustments include the ball displaying more realistic friction with the ground and players attempting to dribble through opponents more effectively when they’re in possession. Other changes include a more realistic decision-making process when trying to break through a defence and the ability for players to connect with downward headers during set pieces.
Enhanced ball physics
Following the success of the 20th main game in the Football Manager series, Sports Interactive has big plans for the future of the franchise. Miles Jacobson, the studio’s director, explains that FM24 marks the end of their in-house match engine and a move to Unity – which will “provide much more power graphically across all formats.”
Alongside this comes a ‘refreshed’ set piece system and smarter transfers and finances. Enhanced player movement and animations create a more natural feel. Ball physics have also been improved. For example, the weather and stadium conditions will now affect ball movements, allowing players to adjust their style accordingly – for example, dribbling on a wet pitch or hitting a volley in windy conditions. This, in turn, will make the game more authentic and immersive. Additionally, the J-League will make its debut and Japanese language is officially supported for the first time. Lastly, there are new ways to sell players and a new system that recognises Late Developers – players who don’t reach their full potential until their thirties.
Enhanced player targets
A new ‘player targets’ feature enables managers to establish objectives alongside specifying playing time preferences for each of their squad members, giving them another powerful tool to improve performance. This will allow players to go beyond tactical prowess and strategic planning, and also improve their individual player’s game-time efficiency.
In addition to the increased variety of player reactions, Football Manager 2024 will now include more context for how these responses are influenced by the player’s personality. This is intended to address criticisms of previous editions where player interactions could often result in overly robotic and linear responses.
Other improvements include a revamped finance management system to add more dynamism and volatility, as well as smarter opposition recruitment thanks to improved AI. You will also be able to see the full range of training drills that a player has completed, as well as the specific effects these have had on his skill or fitness level. Upgrading your facilities will provide a number of benefits to your team, including more income per match and an improved Fanbase.
Enhanced player interactions
Football Manager 2024 is arguably the biggest update to the franchise in years. Whether you’re playing through your save from last year or starting a brand-new career, it’s the most complete edition in the series. It includes new ways to achieve glory, including a fresh take on set pieces and more tools for developing your Wonderkids into world-class talent.
Another big addition is individual player targets, which let you set specific goals for players to pursue, bringing more depth and reality to your interactions with them. Additionally, player morale and relationships are more realistic with improved responses and clearer conversations. Promises also have more requirements to meet for an overall more immersive experience.
Other changes include a more authentic look to matchdays and stadium environments, improved AI that better reflects the way managers think about their teams, and a more powerful UI for navigating club information. The game also adds the ability to transfer players from other clubs, as well as a range of new backroom staff.