Developer Sumo Digital and publisher Secret Mode have together announced a demo for NUTMEG!, an “upcoming nostalgic football manager” title.
Citing inspirations from card-based strategy games like Balatro, yet mixing things up with an 80s and 90s vibe for football, the team also invokes those fabulous sticker albums we oldies used to collect in our youth for this one. Basically, this sounds like a massive nostalgic celebration for people around my age who like football.
If you still don’t believe me, check out the trailer, which features Teletext (ask your parents), and made me feel all wibbly.
Get stuck into four classic matches from across the 80s and 90s, with six scenarios to choose from. Relive the 1986 Milk Cup final and either remake Oxford’s 3-0 victory or snatch the glory away as a certain squad of royal Park Rangers. Take on the pressure of a play-off final with a 1998 battle between Charlton and Sunderland – and try not to take it to penalties. Become a giant killer and take down the might of Liverpool as Wimbledon, or the devils of Manchester as Grimsby. It’s all football, all the time.
The NUTMEG! Matchday Experience demo focuses exclusively on the cardbased matches, where you’ll be tilting the scales in your favour with well-timed decisions in fast-paced, card-based matches. Further details on the game’s wider management systems, such as player transfers and stadium building, will be revealed on the road to launch in 2026.
Here’s some of the key features:
- A Game of Two Halves: Pick your line-up and formations, and challenge the opposition in a fast-paced card battler with three points on the line in every match.
- Move the Goalposts: The only football game where getting cards is a good thing! Earn card packs by completing challenges. Combine cards to enhance your deck and bully the other team off the pitch.
- Get Your Head in the Game: Route one? Tiki-taka? Counter-attacking? Refine skills and strategies in training to earn extra card packs and humble your opponents when Saturday comes.
- Keep Your Eye on the Ball: Pick your club, manage player transfers, scout and develop youth talent, and scrap for every place across four Divisions.
- Get Stuck In: Oversee the entire club from your desk. Control the finances, talk with the press, and hire and fire backroom staff.
- Big Game Player: Immerse yourself in some of the most iconic eras of English football. Unlock new clubs each season and decide whether to be a journeyman manager or a one-club hero.
NUTMEG! is coming to PC in 2026. The demo is out now.
