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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.

Amigamega-driveSNESpc designersensible-softwarebritish 1986–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

TitleYearImpact
Wizball1987Early hit
Sensible Soccer1992Football redefined
Cannon Fodder1993War with personality
Sensible World of Soccer1994Career depth

Design philosophy

PrincipleImplementation
AccessibilityEasy to learn
DepthHard to master
PersonalityDistinctive character
InnovationFresh approaches

Sensible Soccer legacy

FeatureInnovation
AftertouchCurved shots
SpeedFast-paced action
Tiny playersFull pitch view
InfluenceFootball gaming template

Post-Sensible

PeriodActivity
Tower StudiosSubsequent work
Sociable SoccerSpiritual successor
Industry veteranContinued involvement

See also