The new UI for FM26 was designed based on the design team’s clear vision, feedback from the player community, and operational data from players up to past games.
When designing the new UI, we have set out three guidelines: “efficiency,” “friendly,” and “simple.” The first guideline, “efficiency,” aims to reduce the number of clicks by providing quick access to various information and smoothing the movement between elements in the game. The second guideline, “friendly” is to not undermine the previously loved “Football Manager.” And the third “simple” is to make sure that everyone can quickly get used to the operation.
“What exactly has changed?” In short, we have built a UI that intuitively and efficiently provides the necessary information in the situations that are needed. For example, the overview screen will quickly and frequently present important information to the player. It is also designed to be readily accessible when players want to see more information.
Furthermore, we have focused on improving accessibility in the UI in general, with the aim of modifying font sizes that are difficult to read and optimizing color contrast to prevent various information from becoming indecipherable.
In addition to the above, we have designed and prepared a screen configuration for each version so that you can have the best experience on each platform, while building a core UI system that is common to other Unity-based platform titles. To achieve this, we have utilized the functionality of the Unity Engine and introduced the “Tile & Card” system, which is the basis for each UI screen of the “FM26”.
“Tiles and cards”
Our design team intended to create something that would give every player a sense of exploring the depth and detail of Football Manager.
In the FM26 UI, the elements that make up each screen are displayed as “tiles”, allowing you to see important information at a glance. Clicking on the tile opens the “Card” and displays more detailed information.
This clear new system makes it easier to access important information than ever before. Furthermore, important data can now be referenced earlier than in the previous game, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of the club’s situation than ever before.
New element: Portal
The new Tile & Card system can be experienced through the new “Portal” element right after the game starts.
Until the past series, the time spent on the Inbox screen was probably far longer than on the Home screen. Therefore, this work combines the two and creates a true home screen – the “portal” that allows you to see important events in the FM world in one place.
When you work hard at a busy supervision, you receive a large amount of messages from all involved every day. So, we added four filters: “All,” “New,” “Tasks,” and “Unread.” The action panel has also been improved to make it clearer where decisions are needed.
Additionally, the new Advice dropdown allows you to quickly view advice on “Coaching,” “Recruiting,” “Development,” and “Staff Management.”
The news has also been revamped, providing regular, more relevant, interesting and global information.
In addition, in order to make it easier to prepare for the important season, we have integrated the upcoming match schedule and the two-week “calendar” into the portal.
The portal is completely different from your traditional inbox – a gateway that gives you one click access to the entire soccer world, including match results, news, match schedules, calendars, and more, and is the core function for navigating FM26.
New navigation to lead you to victory
The introduction of the portal is just the first step in improving in-game navigation with FM26.
The first thing that catches your eye is the new navigation bar located in the portal. Move the traditional sidebar to the top of the screen and integrate search categories to quickly access key features. While retaining the strategic depth typical of FM, it has a more sophisticated and smart navigation bar.
Detailed information for each section is displayed as usual, and click on each item to open a submenu and dig into more detailed information.
Furthermore, the new navigation bar is a revamped search function. We bring you more search results, more detailed information than ever, and information to assist players. Previously, in the FM series, only searching for targets such as countries, players, and clubs was possible, but in this game, objects, information, and navigation can also be searched. For example, enter “Training” to display related tiles, messages, news and guides. A new search system that instantly presents the information you need, while also providing unparalleled depth. This will allow you to approach a more capable and perfect soccer coach.
Change your bookmarks to change the game
Another notable element along with the new UI and navigation bar is “FMPedia,” which is built into the revamped search function.
“FMPedia” is a guide and in-game glossary that will support your career. It will provide the foundation for navigating through various elements of FM26 and deepening your playing knowledge.
It includes a wide range of guides, from “Financial Fair Play” to “Board Trust,” as well as new tactical elements added in FM26. It is simple and easy to use, and you can quickly access related guides by entering the ribbon icon at the top of the screen or the word you’re interested in in the search bar.
It is a tool that allows you to learn all aspects of the series for the first time or for those who have played it for a while.
Change your bookmarks to change the game
The way FM plays differently for each player – that was the origin of the new UI update and the introduction of a new feature, “Bookmark.”
Bookmark is a shortcut function that allows you to jump straight to specific areas in the game. The default bookmarks have carefully selected six most frequently used areas, allowing you to access important information with fewer clicks than ever before. You can choose from 24 bookmark options.
Training Wonder Kid, innovating with tactical boards, seizing the transfer market, and more – customize your bookmarks to suit your preferred coaching style.
If you change your bookmarks, the game will change too. Operation and experience are even smarter.
The new UI for FM26 provides players with uncompromising clarity. While maintaining the depth and knowledge of the series, it has been made simpler and more intuitive to play. Your soccer vision is integrated into one, freely accessible and customizable as you wish.
I can’t wait for everyone to experience the FM26. Your directorial career will soon begin.
Worth a look
