Breaking News: Football Manager 2018 Headline Features

[Dalglish]

I like the look of the stadiums displayed. An editing tool would be great  - as would being able to see running tracks and curved stadia.

 

 

[phnompenhandy]

Just now, endtime said:

I wonder what those scouting packages mean, will we no longer send scouts on assignments? 

Looks like you can hire sort of scouting agencies to do your work for you. Not sure if that would completely replace scouts, and for lower league managers like me they'd be unaffordable and I'd just be continuing with my part-time man and his dog.

[phnompenhandy]

Just now, MBarbaric said:

It seems Carlo Ancelotti was the first victim of player dynamics in FM

got fired after Franck Ribery, Kingsley Coman, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Arjen Robben went against him

Like I said, SI getting in some guerrilla marketing!  

[KUBI]

Scouting agencies and scouts at your club are both part of football, so I guess it will be reflected in the game.

[endtime]

1 minute ago, phnompenhandy said:

Looks like you can hire sort of scouting agencies to do your work for you. Not sure if that would completely replace scouts, and for lower league managers like me they'd be unaffordable and I'd just be continuing with my part-time man and his dog.

Right, but do lower league clubs even use scouts? Where would an amateur or semi-pro club scout, if they wouldn't even be able to attract players from outside their immediate area?

[phnompenhandy]

Just now, Dalglish said:

I like the look of the stadiums displayed. An editing tool would be great  - as would being able to see running tracks and curved stadia.

 

 

Very much so. From my side as a 'lowest-league manager' I'd like to see a field of sheep behind my 6 spectators!

[phnompenhandy]

Just now, endtime said:

Right, but do lower league clubs even use scouts? Where would an amateur or semi-pro club scout, if they wouldn't even be able to attract players from outside their immediate area?

It'll be the assman or HoYD in his 30-year-old Ford Escort rattling along to the next village. I typically have 1 part-timer.

[noikeee]

5 minutes ago, phnompenhandy said:

Looks like you can hire sort of scouting agencies to do your work for you. Not sure if that would completely replace scouts, and for lower league managers like me they'd be unaffordable and I'd just be continuing with my part-time man and his dog.

JPA=1 JPP=1 scout spotted in the wild.

[phnompenhandy]

Just now, noikeee said:

JPA=1 JPP=1 scout spotted in the wild.

Might use that for my next scout's avatar!! 

[endtime]

3 minutes ago, noikeee said:

JPA=1 JPP=1 scout spotted in the wild.

Paulinho (the one from Barcelona) once played for my local club, back when he was 18. When they ask the players and staff who used to play with him and train him back then, they all say that the never thought he would go on to have such a great career

[MBarbaric]

13 minutes ago, phnompenhandy said:

Looks like you can hire sort of scouting agencies to do your work for you. Not sure if that would completely replace scouts, and for lower league managers like me they'd be unaffordable and I'd just be continuing with my part-time man and his dog.

scouting agencies basically provide access to match videos. so a club gets a subscription and they can search for a player (similar how you search in FM) and then watch clips of the player in all kind of situations. Agency might provide their own report on the player if requested by a club. however, clubs usually have a licence to go and look themselves.

 

[phnompenhandy]

Just now, MBarbaric said:

scouting agencies basically provide access to match videos. so a club gets a subscription and they can search for a player (similar how you search in FM) and then watch clips of the player in all kind of situations. Agency might provide their own report on the player if requested by a club. however, clubs usually have a licence to go and look themselves.

 

You'll be needing a decent data analyst to crunch the numbers and provide the reports. It's all falling into place!

[MBarbaric]

3 minutes ago, phnompenhandy said:

You'll be needing a decent data analyst to crunch the numbers and provide the reports. It's all falling into place!

not necessarily, agencies provide match analysis as well. so even the smallest clubs can afford this. not sure if it is in the game, though. can do it for your team for a modest price

Edited September 29, 2017 by MBarbaric

[Svenc]

German engineering, a suspiciously Feeder-soundalike tune plus a confirmation that the guys are some more involved responsible for one of the most criminally underappreciated and boldest games in the AAA space in recent years (despite its frustrating bits). Decent tease. The team dynamics looks like something that Fifa Manager had, though internally FM's internally always had it anyway in various shapes and forms.

[Spurs08]

Looks like I'm pre-ordering! Sounds like some really good improvements this year, the idea of dynamics in particular.

I'm actually thinking that might be deeper than just the player-relationships on the screenshot. The video mentioned briefly how SI would deal with increasing transfer fees - so it sounds to me like we'll be getting some kind of 'Dynamic Economy' feature where fees and wages can inflate or deflate over time, and perhaps entire countries could get richer or poorer (which would tie in very nicely with the Brexit feature from last year - imagine the newspaper coverage when a Mail journalist is playing FM, only to see a Hard Brexit happen, the economy and the pound crash and all his foreign players demand moves abroad because their salaries have suddenly been devalued in their home countries they'd eventually like to move or retire to).

On another note, I thought the presentation while cheesy was the best in years. No offence whatsoever to Miles, but he's always looked a bit uncomfortable when they've had him standing talking through features for twenty minutes. He's clearly pretty epic at his job, but that just isn't something he's particularly talented at. This format seemed a much more professional production which can only help.

[samdiatmh]

so we do what real clubs do and use FM for scouting in FM?
FMception

 

I also like how it basically pokes fun at most of the "transfer deadline day" cliches
You've got a studio crossover to someone sitting randomly around
A live cross to him about to interview someone
A "Harry Redknapp" interview through a car window while on the way to work

Edited September 29, 2017 by samdiatmh

[lukefitch]

Looks promising for the first time in a while! Felt a bit scammed by all the pointless cosmetic changes last year. The fact that the manager avatar thing was marketed as a major selling point was outrageous.

Hopefully the 'Dynamics' element will bring much needed improvements to player interactions. And its always good to see more depth in the tactic department. More realism in the scouting and staff department is exciting too. Look forward to seeing what has been done.  Graphics aren't a huge part of the game for me but tweaks are welcomed nonetheless. If the 'social feed' tab has been made more relevant and less repetitive I'll be happy.

Nothing has been mentioned thus far about training which is a shame. Aside from ai interactions (both player and media), that's probably aspect of the game that's calling out most for an overhaul. I appreciate that its a big task though and with the announced changes I'm not too fussed. Hopefully that they'll make a big feature of that sometime in the next few years. 

Overall its looking like they've listened to what people want! Can't wait for more announcements.
 

 

[DragonAndLance]

7 minutes ago, samdiatmh said:

A "Harry Redknapp" interview through a car window while on the way to work

ahaha this was my favorite part!

[headshothitman]

I can't believe clubs pay 240k p/y for a scouting tool. Just buy FM for £38 and load all the leagues... duhhh

[Spurs08]

3 minutes ago, headshothitman said:

I can't believe clubs pay 240k p/y for a scouting tool. Just buy FM for £38 and load all the leagues... duhhh

Or even better load up the editor!

[Guest]

An interesting way to start the announcement process, like that it's different but SI really need to sort out that leak

 

[Rashidi]

Dynamics looks like its adding a new layer to squad management, tactics screen shows a new hot button on match day. There is an arrow on a WB(auto) and a new UI design for tactics which suggests on the fly analysis. The scouting changes are exciting. The draft mode looks interesting with the new cards. There is now a Medical Centre report, that makes me icky about seeing injuries all day long. Makes me think that we need to prepare ourselves for detailed answers as to why our players are out so often. So am I excited yes I reckon, the match day graphics looks better, but without having touched the game its going to be hard to tell. The most exciting change is the Dynamics module which is apparent cos its call Dynamics, and it looks like I am going to have to work hard to keep me players happy, which suggests squad management just got a whole lot immersive. The scouting changes look big so this may make it harder for people to game the system, will be interesting how much will can drill down into the world database search for players. 

[Smurf]

I'm so confused.

What was the video about? What are the new features? 

[RTHerringbone]

The lines between players on the tactics screen has piqued my interest. I've long hoped that you get rewarded for consistency with your team selection, so perhaps the lines in @Rashidi's post show that the right back and right winger have forged a deep understanding, and this will influence their interplay? Kind of like a mutual PPM.

[pheelf]

Having had a quick look at the video (+ pausing for the screenshots) I have to say that what has been announced does look encouraging at this point (especially the tactics revamp...well SI have certainly piqued my interest with the yellow line & intensity bar). I find it curious that FM have taken some of the Fifa Manager series ideas and incorporated it into their game. As somebody who played that series I have to say that things like team dynamics were tedious. I can only hope that implementation of it in FM is a lot better and actually adds to the experience rather than be like how press conferences are for me in FM17 where I just give the responsibility to my AM at the first opportunity.

The scouting changes look interesting as it has been an area that has been needing some attention along with the medical centre which looks to make use of the newly introduced staff in FM17. The graphics of the stadium on the monitor look light years ahead of what is available in FM17 which is very impressive for those that wanted to see an improvement in the quality of the graphics available. I look forward to hearing more about it

[gunner86]

Well that has certainly pushed me towards pre-ordering. Really intrigued about some of the new features. Roll on the rest of the vids

[HUNT3R]

Just now, RTHerringbone said:

The lines between players on the tactics screen has piqued my interest. I've long hoped that you get rewarded for consistency with your team selection, so perhaps the lines in @Rashidi's post show that the right back and right winger have forged a deep understanding, and this will influence their interplay? Kind of like a mutual PPM.

There are two more... between the 2 DCs and between the 2 MCs.

[gunner86]

1 minute ago, pheelf said:

Having had a quick look at the video (+ pausing for the screenshots) I have to say that what has been announced does look encouraging at this point (especially the tactics revamp...well SI have certainly piqued my interest with the yellow line & intensity bar). I find it curious that FM have taken some of the Fifa Manager series ideas and incorporated it into their game. As somebody who played that series I have to say that things like team dynamics were tedious. I can only hope that implementation of it in FM is a lot better and actually adds to the experience rather than be like how press conferences are for me in FM17 where I just give the responsibility to my AM at the first opportunity.

The scouting changes look interesting as it has been an area that has been needing some attention along with the medical centre which looks to make use of the newly introduced staff in FM17. The graphics of the stadium on the monitor look light years ahead of what is available in FM17 which is very impressive for those that wanted to see an improvement in the quality of the graphics available. I look forward to hearing more about it

I think that is just training/match prep intensity

[CFuller]

Neat cameo from WorkTheSpace. I like that SI are interacting a bit more with the major FM YouTubers/streamers.

That song at the end gets a thumbs-up from me as well.  Blossoms 

Stadium graphics look nice, and I like the return of shirts to the tactics screen, though that screen does look a bit cluttered for my liking. ‘Dynamics’ look interesting, even though the Hierarchy pyramid could potentially border on FIFA Manager ‘fluff’, and the Medical Centre will surely be a fantastic addition.

All in all, I’m quietly encouraged. I’m still not certain if I’ll pre-order; I’ll probably wait until the first in-depth feature videos come out before making a decision on that.

Edited September 29, 2017 by CFuller

[decapitated]

50 minutes ago, MBarbaric said:

scouting agencies basically provide access to match videos. so a club gets a subscription and they can search for a player (similar how you search in FM) and then watch clips of the player in all kind of situations. Agency might provide their own report on the player if requested by a club. however, clubs usually have a licence to go and look themselves.

 

This might be a silly question but is that screenshot from a real life scouting service? I'd love that sort of interface in FM2018 especially the similar player part.

[Toffle]

I like the new 'continue' button.

[RTHerringbone]

2 minutes ago, HUNT3R said:

There are two more... between the 2 DCs and between the 2 MCs.

Yep - could easily be something like an extension of Stopper / Cover Duties in defence and the equivalent in central midfield. All conjecture and would risk overriding a users intended tactical settings, but could be brilliant. I often find myself rotating my squad with no real positive / negative impact. If you're tangibly rewarded for forming partnerships on the pitch it would be awesome. 

[Crispypaul]

Cheesy video but looks promising - time to get my 25% discount!

BTW - Mike Duff - that's not Mike Duff of 01/02 fame is it?

[HUNT3R]

Just now, RTHerringbone said:

Yep - could easily be something like an extension of Stopper / Cover Duties in defence and the equivalent in central midfield. All conjecture and would risk overriding a users intended tactical settings, but could be brilliant. I often find myself rotating my squad with no real positive / negative impact. If you're tangibly rewarded for forming partnerships on the pitch it would be awesome. 

I agree it would be great. Seems to be the case as I first thought it showed tactical partnerships, but there's no link between the strikers.

[phnompenhandy]

Just now, Crispypaul said:

Cheesy video but looks promising - time to get my 25% discount!

BTW - Mike Duff - that's not Mike Duff of 01/02 fame is it?

Think he's still playing but a bit older than that by now!

[91427]

3 minutes ago, CFuller said:

 I like the return of shirts to the tactics screen, though that screen does look a bit cluttered for my liking.

I reckon that's just cause SI use a really low game resolution for trailers, will likely look a lot more spaced out on a normal monitor

[CFuller]

Mike Duff’s retired now... and unless he’s undergone a complete makeover since hanging up his boots, I don’t think that reporter is the same guy as this one.

7 minutes ago, 91427 said:

I reckon that's just cause SI use a really low game resolution for trailers, will likely look a lot more spaced out on a normal monitor

Yes, I was thinking that, to be honest. It should look a lot better on the monitor I’ve got.

[Asherware]

Really looks good, very excited about the Dynamics feature! 

[upthetoon]

Really quite intriguing. It seems like they are overhauling many areas. 

I'm very curious to how the whole scouting is now going to be work. But it's realistic though. I believe most clubs have only a few scouts. The chief scout pours over data from the scouting programme, sees a player who has good stats, and sends the scout over to watch the player in action.

The dynamics might also mean squad management is going to play a huge role. That's fantastic if it's really is. It's like if you coach a big club like Barcelona or Madrid, you need to learn how to keep all the GALATICOs happy in the same team. right now there's zero squad management skill required.

 

[HemHat]

All these features look promising, but if it still takes until the January patch to be worth playing, what's the point in pre-ordering?

[upthetoon]

quite surprised that there is no mention of training overhaul yet. but there are rumours. waiting for the next feature announcement and hopefully training is mentioned.

[tyro]

I like the headlines preview. Something different.

And this year not so difficult to find. I got a nice email in my inbox informing me that it is available.

As to the video, very interesting and timely with the dynamics (Fifa Manager had that but it didn't work properly - so let's see how this is implemented.

The tactics screen has an "Analysis" trigger on the top right. Does that mean there is color coding also and the yellow lines (relationships?) between players will be shown?

Medical Center good addition to understand more about the recurring injuries and making the new staff roles from last year more helpful.

I like the transfer center and scouting screens that you have a quick view of what positions the player can play in.

Not sure how the scouting packages will work.

Looking forward to the in depth videos.

[Tony Wright 747]

Very interesting first look, it looks a lot more in depth, however that could cause it's own problems, the game is crying out for a proper manual/guide to explain what everything does.

[forameuss]

8 minutes ago, HemHat said:

All these features look promising, but if it still takes until the January patch to be worth playing, what's the point in pre-ordering?

There's always one 

[MoxeysTheName]

Is there going to be anything for Sports Scientists to actually to do this year as opposed to mainly just sitting there, taking a wage for nothing? Are their attributes actually going to mean anything this time?

Edited September 29, 2017 by MoxeysTheName

[phnompenhandy]

Just now, MoxeysTheName said:

Is there going to be anything for Sports Scientists to actually to do this year as opposed to mainly just sitting there, taking a wage for nothing? Are their attributes actually going to mean anything this time?

Have you watched the video?

[HUNT3R]

Just now, MoxeysTheName said:

Is there going to be anything for Sports Scientists to actually to do this year as opposed to mainly just sitting there, taking a wage for nothing? Are their attributes actually going to mean anything this time?

Sport Scientists always had something to do. They reduced Jadedness in players, "help stop the frequency of certain types of injuries and can help with players recovery."

[HemHat]

5 minutes ago, forameuss said:

There's always one 

Thought I'd get in first

[HUNT3R]

3 minutes ago, Tony Wright 747 said:

Very interesting first look, it looks a lot more in depth, however that could cause it's own problems, the game is crying out for a proper manual/guide to explain what everything does.

At the same time, it's fairly clear that a lot of these additions bring more info to us (or deliver it better) and a better graphical representation too.

[herne79]

What's "Work The Space"?  Some blog that this Jack wotsit writes?

(Glad they said who Curtis Munton was as well otherwise I'd be asking the same question about him).