As Football Manager, one of the benchmarks in football simulation games, celebrates its 37th anniversary, it is clear that this type of game is increasingly popular and has evolved a lot. We all like to have the ball at our feet, whether indoors or outdoors, but others much prefer to watch a match and coach a team. This is why the concept is so popular all over the world, to the point of becoming a real sport, even a profession. A look back at more than 35 years of evolution.
The simulation game for managing a football team, a phenomenon
Who has never wanted to put themselves in the shoes of the best coaches in the world, whether it be Genesio for OL or more recently, Zidane for Real Madrid ? This was made possible as early as 1982 on PC, thanks to the release of the simulation game Football Manager, now a must-have on all gaming screens.
The principle? Create a team from A to Z, train it, make it win in important competitions. Everything a real team has to offer. What makes the recipe for this video success so compelling? Quite simply the fact that this type of game, based on real events, makes you look like an expert. And everyone loves that.
In just a few years, players have gone from the pitch to the sofa and can let their imagination run wild, without ever touching a real ball again.
The relationship with sport has changed
Everything is happening on the Internet. The whole relationship with sport has changed: now, we express our support for a football team by clicking on banners on our computer or smartphone, and no longer by paying a fan ticket to go to the stands.
It is possible to watch a match or a replay at any time from your electronic devices. Therefore, playing football online is becoming more and more common. In fact, eSport competitions are organized by SI Games and reward the best (virtual) coach of the international match. Impressive!
Next steps in Football Manager
With the emergence of virtual reality and increasingly sophisticated technologies, we could be moving towards games of even more exceptional quality and, paradoxically, closer to the field. Soon, you will be able to stand in your living room, headset on, and shout at your players who will seem to be a few steps away, but who will actually be on your imaginary field... Although, not so much!
Moreover, the Football Manager franchise intends to ride this trend wave and catch up with the trends in a few years. An AR version is in preparation.
Attention all amateurs and budding trainers!
