In a significant move for disability representation in video games, the latest edition of Football Manager now allows players to create a manager who uses a wheelchair. The feature, available through the game's custom character designer, is part of developer Sports Interactive's broader efforts to make the game as inclusive as possible.
A Step Towards Better Representation
Will Rees, a 16-year-old powerchair football player for Wrexham, welcomes the change. "It's amazing to see the new feature," he says. "I might play it more even though I'm not good at it. More wheelchair users will feel more included." Will, who has kyphosis and other joint conditions, hopes such representation becomes standard. "We just want to be like everyone else. We don't want to be treated differently," he adds.
According to a 2023 survey by charity Scope, gamers with disabilities prioritise more accurate and frequent representation in games. While characters like Hailey Cooper in the Spider-Man series (who is deaf) and Lester in Grand Theft Auto 5 (who uses a wheelchair and walking stick) exist, visible disabilities remain rare in mainstream titles.
Developer's Commitment to Inclusion
Stu Boyd, head of production at Sports Interactive, describes the wheelchair addition as "step two" in the company's representation plan, following the introduction of hearing aids and eye patches in 2025. "We can't do everything in one year," he says. "We just have to keep doing it every year to try and get to that gold standard in the future." Character artist Steve Norgate notes that the work took time to ensure it was done correctly, and the team also modified in-game elements such as adding ramps to trophy plinths.
Accessibility website Can I Play That? praised the move as "a lovely example of going beyond just representation, and thinking about inclusion as well." The game also includes accessibility improvements like reduced clicks for menu navigation and customisable information display. Producer Danny Quin mentions adjustments to camera angles and manager behaviour on the sidelines during matches.
Mixed Reactions and Future Goals
While the feature received widespread praise, some negative comments appeared online. Boyd remains optimistic: "Once that representation becomes normal and more people do it, then we might not see as much reaction to it. Hopefully that'll be a more positive landscape for the gaming industry." George Dowell MBE, owner of Worthing FC and a wheelchair user, says "silly comments" are expected but believes such changes will encourage more wheelchair users to engage with football. "Nothing will ever change if you don't change anything," he says. "If you can see yourself, you might think: 'Okay I'm really loving managing this. I want to go and try this in real life.'"
The addition of wheelchair users to Football Manager marks another step in the gaming industry's journey toward greater inclusivity, with developers and players alike hoping for a future where representation is the norm.
