Vortex Gaming

· The World Cup mode update for Football Manager 26 is scheduled for release soon.
· This update will be provided as a free game update and will be applied to both console and touch versions. It is already included in the mobile version.
· The release date is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26th, though there may be slight changes depending on platform submission and licensing approval processes.

· With this update, you can once again manage national teams and experience the official FIFA World Cup branding, broadcast graphics, and more within the game.
· Due to licensing agreements, official kits are expected to be included, but kits for some countries may not be included at launch or may be added later. This is due to the licensing approval process with individual kit manufacturers.
· A second update is scheduled for June after the May 26th release, which will include licensed assets such as the 26-man World Cup tournament squads.

· While this update offers an improved mode compared to FM24, a complete overhaul will not occur at launch but will be developed incrementally over time.
· Due to development challenges, the initial release scope was limited, and plans are in place to improve it by adjusting priorities based on player feedback.

· The user interface changes in FM26 were not positively received by all users, with complaints specifically about changes in navigation and a decrease in immersion.
· The development team aimed for a more flexible UI, but a disconnect occurred between elements in FM25 and FM26.
· Some bold changes were rolled back, and while attempts were made to build a platform-agnostic UI, this negatively impacted the user experience for some.
· Improvements have been made since launch, reflecting user feedback, including redesigning game screens and reintroducing features. This was made possible by the transition to the Unity engine.
· The development team is listening to player feedback and considers FM26 to be a better game now than at its launch.

· The development team takes responsibility for FM26 not meeting expectations and is working hard to make up for it.
· They are committed to releasing a game that players will be more satisfied with through internal restructuring, new hires, and the adoption of new work methods.
· The next release will focus on addressing the key issues raised by players, particularly improving the game world and UI/UX.

· While the visual elements of the UI are fine, plans are in place to improve the user experience by addressing functional issues.
· Focus will be placed on providing more customization options, fixing bugs, and resolving screen alignment problems.
· By analyzing the pros and cons of the sidebar approach from past versions and the current top bar approach, a more intuitive navigation experience will be provided.

· The development team is working to regain player trust and will share updates at the appropriate time.
· They promise to deliver an improved game experience in the next release (presumed to be FM27).
· There is curiosity about how the World Cup mode will be implemented in the game, and excitement is expressed about the inclusion of actual squads.