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The FIFA Manager series of games has been axed, publisher EA has confirmed via an open letter from the founder and designer Gerald Köhler.
Much of the problem appears to be the dominance exerted by SEGA and Sports Interactive’s Football Manager franchise.
“Today I’m writing to tell you that FIFA Manager 14 will be the last instalment of the football simulation series marketed by EA Sports,” wrote Köhler. “This is was a very tough decision, so I want to take the time to explain it. This probably comes as a big disappointment to many of you, and it is understandable that you would ask why.
“The football manager genre at this level of sophistication is highly specialised and primarily played in two countries (England and Germany), in which – on top of everything – one game has practically dominated the market in recent years. The niche market and general trend toward online and mobile games were also contributing factors. Moreover, FM had reached a crossroads at which a new engine and/or corresponding online technology would be the only way to give the series a boost. When all these factors were evaluated, it led us to the decision to blow the final whistle.
“All of us, the team at Bright Future and our colleagues at EA SPORTS, loved and still love FIFA Manager. It’s a game that has captivated many fans over the years, and been our pride and joy since its first instalment FIFA Manager 2002 (with Rudi Assauer on the cover). We’ve had Löw and Mourinho on the cover, Felix Magath twice, and many other German and international stars who have lent their expertise to the game. We were also lucky to have a very dedicated community. Your passion and commitment to FIFA Manager is unrivalled, and made the series a great joy to work on.”
Köhler concluded: “You have our heartfelt gratitude. We hope you’ll keep playing FM as long as possible, and that the fan sites will go all out to expand and improve the game wherever they can. For all your years of support and all your passion for our game, we thank you.”
Sports Interactive isn’t likely to rest on its laurels, but it’s a shame Football Manager’s only legitimate rival has fallen.
Source: FIFA Manager Blog
