# Football Manager 2024: No Database Update for the 2024/2025 Season as FM25 Encounters Delays
The *Football Manager* franchise, crafted by Sports Interactive, has consistently been a favorite among football fans who relish managing their chosen teams, strategizing for games, and maneuvering the intricacies of player transfers. Unfortunately, enthusiasts of *Football Manager 2024* (FM24) are experiencing letdowns this year, as the eagerly awaited database update for the 2024/2025 season will not be issued. This decision follows the postponement of *Football Manager 2025* (FM25) until March 2025, marking an unprecedented delay in the history of the series.
## The Bundesliga 2024/2025 Season and the Absent Database Update
The 2024/2025 football season is already in progress, with leagues such as the Bundesliga fully operational. Normally, at this time, *Football Manager* titles would roll out a database update, either for free or included in the subsequent edition. These updates are essential for maintaining the game’s relevance, as they reflect the most recent player transfers, changes in management, and the new football regulations introduced at the season’s start.
Nonetheless, this year, *Football Manager 2024* users are left in anticipation without fulfillment. Sports Interactive has formally announced that there will be no database update for this current season, leading to considerable discontent among players. The rationale behind this choice has generated extensive dissatisfaction, particularly as it connects to ongoing development challenges with *Football Manager 2025*.
## Reasons Behind the Absence of a Database Update for FM24
In a recent statement via X (formerly Twitter), Sports Interactive detailed the reasons for not providing a database update for FM24. The studio indicated that the data intended for *Football Manager 2025* is not readily compatible with the framework of *Football Manager 2024*. This primarily stems from the fact that FM25 will be the first installment in the series to adopt the Unity Engine, marking a significant shift from the previous game engine.
Moreover, the studio pointed out that utilizing the new data would necessitate clearance from several licensing partners, complicating matters further. While Sports Interactive did consider the possibility of rolling out an update, they ultimately decided that the effort required would be “a substantial undertaking.”
The company also underlined their intention not to transfer “critical resources from delivering FM25 in the highest standard.” With the new game already experiencing delays, the studio is concentrated on ensuring FM25 meets expectations upon its eventual release in March 2025. However, this clarification has done little to alleviate fans’ frustrations, many of whom feel disappointed by the choice.
## Community Response: Expressions of Discontent
The feedback from the *Football Manager* community has been predominantly negative. Numerous fans took to social platforms to voice their dismay, with some even contemplating bypassing FM25 altogether. One user, JayCaulls, expressed their frustration, stating, “If this continues, it will likely be the first FM year that I skip.” Another user, barry, humorously critiqued the transition to the Unity Engine, commenting, “The switch to Unity has clearly proven to be immensely beneficial. There are so many positive aspects that I’m having trouble counting them.”
The prevailing sentiment within the community is unmistakable: fans feel abandoned, especially after years of steady updates and support for earlier game versions. The absence of a database update for FM24, combined with the delay of FM25, has led many to question the future trajectory of the franchise.
## Fan-Created Solutions: A Glimmer of Hope?
While the official database update may not be forthcoming, there remains hope for players eager to experience the 2024/2025 season in *Football Manager 2024*. Several fan communities have taken it upon themselves to develop their own data sets, encompassing updated player transfers, new rules, and various changes for the current season. These fan-generated updates can be downloaded and utilized to keep FM24 current.
One of the most prominent communities for these updates is *We Are Football*, which has already rolled out data packs for the 2024/2025 season. These packs are generally intended for personal and non-commercial use, which means their creators are typically not pursued by licensing authorities. Although these fan-created updates may lack the polish or comprehensiveness of an official release, they present a practical option for players desiring to continue enjoying the game with the latest information.
## Anticipating the Future: FM25 and the Series’ Outlook
With *Football Manager 2025* now slated for a March 2025 launch, attention turns to Sports Interactive to provide a game that justifies the delay. The transition to the Unity Engine represents a significant transformation for the series, and