Can Football Manager 26 Propel Women’s Football Growth Further?
Football Manager 26 (FM26) is poised to further elevate the visibility of women’s football in the gaming world. The latest installment of this acclaimed series introduces significant features aimed at enhancing the representation and realism of female players.
New Features in Football Manager 26
FM26 showcases new motion-capture sequences specifically designed to replicate female athletes in 3D match simulations. This level of detail aims to provide players with an authentic experience when managing women’s football teams.
Individual Player Attributes
Each player in the game is assigned unique attributes rated on a scale from 1 to 20. These attributes cover essential physical traits such as:
- Pace
- Agility
- Acceleration
In addition to physicality, skills like passing and dribbling are also evaluated. Emotional and mental characteristics, including bravery and composure, are reflected in player statistics.
Equity in Player Ratings
A lengthy discussion among developers addressed the differences in statistics between male and female players. Jacobson, a lead developer, noted that the fastest female athlete is generally slower than her male counterpart. Instead of assigning a maximum rating of 20 for women’s pace, the game maintains separate metrics for male and female players.
This approach ensures an equitable comparison within each gender, while staff attributes remain uniform across both categories.
Engaging New Audiences
Former professional players Mollie and Rosie Kmita contributed to FM26’s development through motion capture. Mollie noted the importance of this addition in attracting new gamers. She reflected on how representation can transform perceptions of women’s football.
“Growing up, I would never have imagined playing Football Manager because it wasn’t a space for us,” she explained. “Normalising women’s football in the game is thrilling and will have lasting effects.”
Educational Impact of Managing Women’s Teams
Players new to women’s football will find themselves immersed in valuable information about players, teams, and leagues. This educational aspect is not only exciting but could significantly broaden the gaming community’s interest in women’s sports.
As FM26 makes strides toward inclusivity, it is likely to foster a growing community around women’s football. The game serves as a platform for increased awareness and engagement, promising a positive impact on the sport’s development.
