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Jon Hare

Sensible Software founder

Jon Hare co-founded Sensible Software and designed Sensible Soccer and Cannon Fodder, creating distinctively British games with personality and accessibility.

commodore-amigasega-mega-drivesuper-nintendoibm-pcdesignersensible-softwarebritish1986–present

Overview

British gaming’s distinctive voice. Hare co-founded Sensible Software with Chris Yates, creating games that combined accessible gameplay with irreverent personality. Sensible Soccer stripped football to essentials while adding aftertouch. Cannon Fodder made war cute yet poignant. The Sensible style—tiny sprites, big gameplay—influenced a generation of British developers.

Fast facts

  • Born: 1966.
  • Company: Sensible Software (co-founder).
  • Key works: Sensible Soccer, Cannon Fodder.
  • Style: Accessible, personality-driven.

Sensible Software era

Title Year Impact
Wizball 1987 Early hit
Sensible Soccer 1992 Football redefined
Cannon Fodder 1993 War with personality
Sensible World of Soccer 1994 Career depth

Design philosophy

Principle Implementation
Accessibility Easy to learn
Depth Hard to master
Personality Distinctive character
Innovation Fresh approaches

Sensible Soccer legacy

Feature Innovation
Aftertouch Curved shots
Speed Fast-paced action
Tiny players Full pitch view
Influence Football gaming template

Post-Sensible

Period Activity
Tower Studios Subsequent work
Sociable Soccer Spiritual successor
Industry veteran Continued involvement

See also