NUTMEG! A Retro Football Management Game News

[p]The time has come to relive history, or reshape it. The opportunity to claim glory or suffer the sheer humiliation of defeat. A chance to write the perfect ending to an underdog’s fairytale story, or snuff out any remaining embers of hope.[/p][p]
[/p][h2]That’s right  – The NUTMEG! Matchday Experience Demo is live.[/h2][p]
[/p][p]The prep work at the training ground is over, and now it’s time to take to the grass for the biggest game of these teams’ lives. In the Matchday Experience Demo, there is no management element  – only the card-based match engine. However, if you want to be in the know on all off-the-pitch features like transfers, contracts, the board, finances and more, read the dossier here.[/p][p]
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Six Scenarios - Four Iconic Matches[/h3][p][/p][p]Recreate the 1986 Milk Cup final (the League Cup, for anyone unaware of the strange sponsors of this competition over the years). Can you score more than three goals as Oxford and claim the trophy? Or perhaps you’re a Hoops fan and want to spoil the party for his royal highness, bringing the cup down into the capital where it belongs?
[/p][p]It would be poor form for us not to include arguably the most iconic cup final of them all – the ‘Crazy Gang’ Final. We all know the story, even if a specific team in red would rather forget it. In this scenario, you’re tasked to stop the infamous cupset from occurring, wiping the stain off what was a rather glorious era for the Reds.
[/p][p]Who doesn’t love the playoffs? The tension, the drama, and a distant voice in the future screaming about a superhero and a failed football manager. In the fourth and fifth scenarios, you’ll be reliving the frantic, goal-heavy 1998 playoff final between Sunderland and Charlton. Will you buckle under the pressure? [/p][p][/p][p]In the final scenario, catch a red snapper by taking on the biggest of upsets – Grimsby vs Manchester Red. All players are registered on time, the pitch is wet, and the managers can barely watch behind their tactics board. Everything is teed up for the perfect giant killing. Do you dare to dream?[/p][p][/p][p]The NUTMEG! Matchday Experience Demo will be available until early next year. See an exclusive new gameplay trailer focused around the Matchday Experience Demo tonight in IGN FanFest at 5PM BST/12PM EDT/9AM PDT.[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]Want to be In The Know? Wishlist NUTMEG!, join our Discord, and follow us over on X and TikTok to stay up to date with all the latest news[/p][p]
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[p]Saturday, 3PM. The stadium is full of over-excited spectators, each chanting to their own tune. A cacophony of noise fills the air as the players walk out of the tunnel and onto the pitch.[/p][p][/p][p]Matchday.
[/p][p]Traditionally, a manager has little power once the whistle blows. But in NUTMEG!, the cards are in your hand… literally. In this dossier, we’ll break down the specifics of a matchday so you can avoid slipping up in a high-pressure moment.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Warm Up.
[/h3][p]Before a game begins, you must focus on the fundamentals, because there truly is no easy game. After building your squad and training your team, the next step in the master plan can be enacted - Boost Cards.[/p][p][/p][p]Boost Cards are used on matchdays to alter the chance of outcomes. More on that later. 
[/p][p]After every month (if you’re playing Broadcast Mode) or week (if you’re playing Free Mode), you will receive a Boost Card Pack from your training. These Packs provide you with a set of Boost Cards based on the coaches you have hired, and how you organise the training sessions. For example, if you’re fighting tooth and nail for every point, it may be worth hiring a coach who provides more defensive Boost Cards.[/p][p][/p][p]
[/p][p]Boost Cards come in a variety of tiers and can be crafted to become stronger and more influential. Combining two Nutmeg cards will create a Heavy Press, doubling the effectiveness. Combining another Nutmeg card with the Heavy Press turns it into a Goal Rush, while a further card evolves Goal Rush into a card that’ll allow a 50% chance for a goal![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]With your deck built, it’s time for tactics. The first thing you'll see when choosing to play a game is the team sheets. Here, you can alter your formation using the card in the middle, changing both how the game plays out and the type of additional Boost Cards you automatically gain throughout the match. [/p][p][/p][p]Select your starting XI and the two impact subs on the side of the board (remember that you can only make one switch per match!), and those not selected for the matchday are at the foot. When you’re happy with your choices, press “Start Game.”[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Kick Off.[/h3][p][/p][p]And we’re off! Take a deep breath and get familiar with your technical area. There is a scoreboard at the top of the screen, with a stopwatch in the middle that, when pressed, will fast-forward the game. 
[/p][p]To the left is your squad. Substitutes can be made at any point in the game when the ball isn’t in play by clicking on the substitutes to view the squad board, dragging the substitute onto the board, and dropping them to replace another player.
[/p][p]On the right is a notepad that automatically tracks key events - such as goals and cards - alongside showing a top-down sketch of the current attack. Finally, your Boost Cards are at the bottom, and will highlight when you’re able to play them.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]To begin a passage of play, known as a run, click on the deck. This will present the current action, followed by three potential actions. Each card will have either ‘US’ or ‘THEM’ to indicate what action corresponds to which team. The most favourable outcome for the attacking team will be listed at the top, and the most favourable for the defending team will be at the bottom. Each card has a percentage chance to be selected. Remember how we said Boost Cards can alter that? Let’s delve into that now.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Boost Cards impact the chance of a favourable outcome, while decreasing the other two by a set amount to compensate. For example, in the GIF below, our most favourable outcome is scoring a Goal at 28%. Using Goal Rush, we increase that chance to 58%, while decreasing Rebound to 15% and Save to 27%.[/p][p]

[/p][p][/p][p]Likewise, if you’re defending and the opposition has a 26% chance to progress by hitting their Target Man (their most favourable outcome), applying a defensive Boost Card - such as Park The Bus - will increase your favourable outcome (in this instance, Loose Ball) by 10%, while decreasing the neutral option (Forward Clash) and Target Man by 5% each.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]If you’re attacking and score a goal, any cards used in that run will return to your hand, but will be worn. These cards - along with any cards you receive via your formation deck - will expire at the end of the game. Any cards you brought in your deck that are unused, however, will be kept, so it’s wise to think about whether you really need to go for that third goal.
[/p][p]A player's stamina will deplete naturally throughout the game, as well as each time a Boost Card is used. When a player is tired, their ability to execute their role will decrease, as seen by the number on their card becoming worse. This, in turn, will reduce the odds of them being able to perform the most favourable outcome on the board. 
[/p][p]Stamina management is key - the lads may put in a good shift, but if you want your team to control the tempo, they need to be looked after. A strategic substitution at the right time can flip the odds in your favour, as well as using stamina-replenishing cards like a Water Bottle or a good ol’ Orange Slice.[/p][p]
[/p][h3]Full Time![/h3][p][/p][p]Continue to play until the full-time whistle to snag those three points!
[/p][p]As you can see, every match - and every season - in NUTMEG! is about preparation, tactics, and making the right move at the right time. Train your squad to create the optimal deck of cards for matchday, use your cards smartly, and turn a match in your favour from the touchline. Do all that, and they'll be chanting your name in the terraces in no time...
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[/p][p]Want to be In The Know? Wishlist NUTMEG!, join our Discord, and follow us over on X and TikTok to stay up to date with all the latest news.[/p][p]
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[p]In NUTMEG!, your responsibilities don’t end with the playing squad. When you take over your team of choice, a whole host of the club’s key departments are in your hands. How will you deal with the responsibility of both performing well on the pitch while progressing the club in a stable manner off it? Wind up that big computer and dig out that fancy calculator - let’s take a closer look at how you’ll manage the day-to-day running of your football club of choice in NUTMEG![/p][p] [/p][h3]Money Money Money![/h3][p][/p][p]Money is a great motivator, and that holds true in NUTMEG! Sell players that don’t fit your system, and buy a selection of merchandise for your fans to grab at the next home game - all to fill the coffers. Beware, though: actions have consequence. For example, different items of Merch will sell better depending on your fanbase's happiness as well as your position in the league. Maybe don’t buy all those expensive prestige items to sell as your team languishises in the relegation zone.[/p][p][/p][p]Spent wisely? Take this newfound cash to the negotiation table and put pen to paper on signing new players, bolster your backroom staff, or get spades in the soil and sign off on an exciting new stadium development! Bigger stands equals greater chances for income, but do you have the fanbase to make this worthwhile? That depends on the club’s performance, and your relationship with the supporters (more on that in the future!).[/p][p][/p][p]Need further investment? Get on the phone and hash out a sponsorship deal! Offers from brands big and small will be available, with differing deal lengths. Some sponsors may offer more money, but this could lead to discontent among your fans or players. Is that a risk you’re willing to take?[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]No half-and-half scarves allowed![/h3][p][/p][p]While silly financial ‘rules’ are musings of a madman, in NUTMEG!, merchandise remains an integral part of maintaining a healthy cash flow and building a strong football club Don’t be a mug: purchase scarves, shirts, coasters, pennants, and more and let the money roll in… hopefully.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Build the team behind the team[/h3][p][/p][p]Football isn’t just won on the pitch - but off it too. From scouts identifying key transfer targets to physiotherapists performing miracles in patching up an injured player, a club's backroom staff can make or break a season. [/p][p][/p][p]Hire (and fire) staff members who can help propel the club to new heights. Some staff provide benefits to your entire team, while others have specific niches - such as being proficient in training Long Shots or Flick Ons - that can improve individual players, so choose wisely. Additionally, some staff may only become available as you build more facilities and upgrade the stadium.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Running a football club is a balancing act. How will you fare with all the cards in your hand? Let us know your early strategies for club management in NUTMEG! in the comments below.[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]Want to be In The Know? Wishlist NUTMEG!, join our Discord, and follow us over on X and TikTok to stay up to date with all the latest news.[/p][p]
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[p]Managing a football club is a daunting task. As such, we’re giving you the scouting report on the different features and mechanics of NUTMEG! so when you take over your first club, you’ll have the knowledge to achieve greatness.[/p][p][/p][h2]Train your team[/h2][p][/p][p]A club lives and dies by their squad. As a manager, it's your job to make sure you have not only the best players for the money, but ones that can grow and push your club to new heights.
[/p][p]In NUTMEG! you have total control over all aspects of your squad - including improving their ability and effectiveness via training. You can train up to three players at once on “Critical Touch” skills that boosts your chances of success. Strategically choose the intensity of your training - a higher intensity will improve players faster, but with a greater chance of injury.
[/p][p]Alongside physical health, you also need to be aware of the players’ mental health too, with their morale stat being dictated by both your performance and some of the choices you make during your managerial stint - like how you talk about them to the press…[/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Take care of transfers
[/h2][p]If a player on your books is not in your plans (or you simply don’t like them), mark them up for sale and let another poor club deal with them. [/p][p][/p][p]Additionally, renegotiate contracts when your players are out of contract - there’s no such thing as a free transfer in the 1980s! Use the hefty computer on your desk to view the details on each player’s contract, to help you decide who in the dressing room may need a new deal.[/p][p][/p][p]Have some cash to splash? At any time, you can look to sign new players either by listening to your scouts’ recommendations (more on scouts coming soon!) or trusting the good ol’ fashioned transfer book. Each player has two ratings - a number, and a star rating. These star ratings have a scale of 1-4 and are tiered via colour codes. As such, a one star of a higher tier will be better than a four star of a lower tier.[/p][p]

[/p][p]Negotiate a one to three year contract (none of that eight year nonsense) and decide on a player’s sign-on fee, wages, and bonus. A lower sign-on fee can facilitate the chance to purchase a better player, but cost more on a week-by-week basis. Finally, offer a player a wide variety of gifts to sweeten the deal - the intel your scouts provide can help you discover what gift is most likely to impress. Georgian oak chair, anyone? 
[/p][p]In the next blog, we’ll delve into the overarching club management you’ll be taking over, including staff and finances. Oh, you thought your job was to only look after the players?
[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]Want to be In The Know? Wishlist NUTMEG!, join our Discord, and follow us over on X and TikTok to stay up to date with all the latest news.[/p][p]
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[p]Fancy yourself a Gaffer? Then take a step back into the 1980’s and reshape the history of football with NUTMEG! - with an exclusive VIP Playtest Program coming in 2026.[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p] NUTMEG! is a game of two halves - literally. Build your squad through transfers of real footballing legends, train them, and develop tactics all while keeping an eye on your finances and club development. Once you’re prepared, head into matchday, using planning and skill to deploy powerful cards and turn the game in your favour. Balance large-scale club management with critical in-the-moment decisions to guide your team to glory.[/p][p][/p][p]Loyal Stalwart or Journeyman?[/p][p][/p][p]Start your managerial story at the bottom of the professional English football pyramid in 1980. At the end of every season, you’ll unlock more clubs and have the option to jump ship and explore other opportunities. Do you become a one-club legend and build an unforgettable legacy? Or do you sign on the dotted line for new clubs and negotiate your way to the top? The choice is yours. 
[/p][p]Control the Tempo[/p][p][/p][p]Progress and success relies on your deck building skills. Carry out training sessions and hit board objectives to earn powerful cards to deploy during matches. Play the right card, at the right time, to boost your chances of a goalscoring move, or to thwart the advances of the opposition. Combine cards to increase their power and play them strategically to gain the upper hand!
[/p][p]Live in the Moment[/p][p][/p][p]NUTMEG! is set in the 1980s and 1990s, and the game world pays homage to that era through its retro aesthetic and feel. View the league table using a Teletext screen, conduct financial audits on a DOS terminal and contact transfer negotiations through a telephone and fax system.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Are You In?[/p][p][/p][p]Want to get a headstart on other managers and spearhead not only the development of your club, but of NUTMEG! itself? Then register your interest here for a chance to be invited to our exclusive VIP playtesting program, where you’ll receive regularly updated versions of NUTMEG! and a private Discord server to talk to us directly.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Playtesters will receive exclusive rewards as thanks for your participation, including a full game key at launch, adding your name to the game credits, and the opportunity to be added to the game as a player or coach!
[/p][p][/p][p]Your feedback is invaluable to NUTMEG!’s development. Spots are limited, so get your applications in early before the window shuts.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]
Want to be In The Know? Wishlist NUTMEG!, join our Discord, and follow us over on X and TikTok to stay up to date with all the latest news[/p]