New esports management simulation game Esports Manager 2026 has launched its first demo as part of the Steam Sports Fest.
Featuring several esports organisations from across the world, the demo aims to provide players with ‘an authentic look’ into the operations of an esports organisation.
According to a release, the demo allows players to experience one in-game month, including player recruitment, roster changes, and contract negotiations. Additionally, players can watch matches through a semi-3D match engine that details various elements, including utility usage and map picks.
Alongside featuring the likes of Eternal Fire, GamerLegion, and M80, Esports Manager 2026 also includes several notable personalities, including event host James Banks, Counter-Strike commentator Neo ‘Ne0kai‘ Caine, and Counter-Strike coach Bruno ‘BIT‘ Lima.
Esports Manager 2026 has been developed by Neurona Games, in partnership with developer-focused platform indie.io. Founded in 2019 by Andrii Chupyr and Bhodan Buiak, Neurona Games is no stranger to creating management sim titles inspired by esports. In 2021, the developer launched Esports Manager Simulator, a mobile title featuring 28 organisations competing in Counter-Strike and Dota 2
“Our goal is to capture what really happens behind the scenes in esports: the pressure, strategy, conversations, and tough calls that define a season,” said Andril Chupyr, CEO of Neurona Games. “The demo gives players a genuine taste of that experience, and we can’t wait to see the organisations they build or blow up.”
With games inspired by the first-person shooter title Counter-Strike, Esports Manager 2026 features an extensive database of players, including Mathieu ‘ZywOo‘ Herbaut and Oleksandr ‘s1mple‘ Kostyliev.
The demo provides players with a small slice of the full title, which is set to be released at a later date. Neurona Games has yet to confirm a release for Esports Manager 2026 as it continues gathering feedback through regular playtesting.
Esports Management Sims
Esports Manager 2026 is the latest management sim title to use the esports industry as a base for its release. On December 8th, The Brain Trust launched Esports Team Manager, a title that takes inspiration from the MOBA genre to manage the operations of an esports organisation.
The rise of esports management sim titles is another way brands are engaging with the industry. Instead of creating a new title designed for esports competition, fans can experience running their own organisations or their favourite teams.
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