Football Manager 2017: New Gameplay Features Revealed Ahead of November Release

Sports Interactive's unrivalled football management sim returns on November 4 in the form of Football Manager 2017, which boasts an array of new features to enjoy and explore. 

As always, the latest game will look to add to the previous edition, enhancing the experience by making it even more immersive and in-depth than ever before.

The game's director, Miles Jacobson, broke down many of its new features in a video released on Thursday night:

Significant improvements have been made to the match engine, which now boasts improved graphics, a new goalmouth camera angle and over 1,500 new motion-captured animations to give players a better view of the action than ever before.

Player models, lighting and stadiums have also been improved, adding to the look and feel of the game as you guide your team through matches.

Referees will even mark free-kicks with vanishing spray, while the laws of the game have also been brought in line with real-world developments, such as the introduction of one-player kick-offs and red cards for denying goalscoring opportunities. 

Hassan Ammar/Associated Press

Indeed, along with better decision-making from AI players and managers alike, Jacobson said the game is "not just the best looking but most intelligent we've ever made" (h/t the MailOnline's James Dutton).

Analysing your team's performance is more in-depth than in previous years, with the addition of heat maps and action zones revealing which areas of the pitch your side are succeeding and where they could use some improvement. Fans of a Moneyball-style approach will also appreciate statistics on passing accuracy or chances created.

Everton fans will enjoy the comprehensive licencing of their club in the game, and the Toffees shared a snapshot of some of the player screens:

FM17 also sees the introduction of a social media feed, where supporters, outlets and clubs will give their take on the latest news and your progress in the hot seat of your chosen team, as well as spread transfer rumours.

As for transfers, managers are now able to "sell" your project to prospective signings as you reveal the role they can expect and your ambitions for the future—promises you'll be held to if you fail to deliver.

Clubs, players and agents will all play a greater role in the transfer market, with clauses in deals and contracts becoming more prevalent than before.

While the series is known for consistently getting better with each edition, with these and many more new features to discover, it seems as though Football Manager has undergone one of its biggest improvements in years.