The Brain Trust, an independent studio based in Pennsylvania, USA, has launched the Steam page for its upcoming Esports Team Manager game.
Fans are now able to wishlist the game ahead of its Early Access release scheduled for Q4 2025.
According to a press release, ‘Esports Team Manager immerses players in the most realistic esports management experience to date. Players take full control of an esports organisation—hiring coaches, trading players, managing team strategy, and even adjusting stadium snack prices. Built on extensive feedback from industry insiders, the game promises an authentic experience tailored specifically for passionate esports fans.’
Developer The Brain Trust says it has conducted extensive research, including hundreds of interviews with industry professionals, to make the simulation game as authentic and immersive as possible.
While the game isn’t focused on a particular esport, it’s focused on lane-based MOBA games. And Esports News UK understands the developers are in discussions with various parties, including teams and organisers. So, no NLC just yet, but you never know.
Paul Capoccia, CEO and Lead Developer at The Brain Trust, told Esports News UK: “I believe there is so much untapped potential in the space around esports, and this is exactly the type of game I’ve always wanted to play. Sometimes I want to be in the world of esports without competing. This game allows all of us to do that.
“This game is for esports fans, by esports fans and endemics. We’re working to bring the biggest names in the industry into the game, and we’re grinding every day to make it the most authentic esports experience that exists.”
Paul Capoccia, The Brain Trust
Esports News UK understands the game is like the first year of Championship Manager, with either no teams at all or a minimal amount. But that could change in the future.
A blurb in the game’s Discord is as follows: “Imagine Football Manager meets F1 Manager, Madden, and NBA 2K with some other classic inspiration. You’ll pick what to do on a daily basis, what contracts to restructure, what to charge for team mouse pads and jerseys, how to handle media days, and much more.”
The game will cost roughly $20 through Early Access, with an initial opening sale price. Following Early Access, there will likely be a slight price increase.
Paul Capoccia added on LinkedIn: “I get one real shot at this. My savings hit zero, my two years could mean nothing. I believe in this project, and I can’t wait for this product to hit the market.
“I hope you’ll consider wishlisting it, and if you would be so kind, please repost this, share the game link to your friends, join the Discord and come hang out, any and all of the things are so appreciated.”
You can see more on the Esports Team Manager Steam page, the Esports Team Manager game Discord and The Brain Trust website
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
