Football-manager-2012

He checked his tactics screen. A classic 4-2-3-1. He spent twenty minutes debating whether to set his wingers to "Inside Forward" or "Advanced Playmaker." This was the beauty—and the curse—of the 2012 edition. It was the sweet spot of the series: deep enough to lose your soul, but fast enough that you could finish a season in a dedicated weekend.

The 2D circles moved. Red (United) versus Blue (Stockport). At the 88th minute, Sigurðsson picked up the ball. He threaded a pass that bypassed Rio Ferdinand like he was standing still. The teenage wonderkid striker Arthur had found in the Bulgarian second division latched onto it. Goal. football-manager-2012

The big match arrived: FA Cup Third Round against Manchester United. He checked his tactics screen

Arthur stood up, celebrating silently so as not to wake the neighbors, giving a phantom interview to a phantom BBC reporter in his kitchen. He explained how his "attacking philosophy" had finally paid off. It was the sweet spot of the series:

He clicked "Continue." The processing bar crawled. Please, no injuries, he whispered. The inbox chimed.

As the sun began to peek through the blinds, Arthur saw the dreaded news item: