Jon Hare Shuns Sensible Soccer Revival: A Look at the Developer’s Artistic Philosophy

Veteran game designer Jon Hare, renowned for co-founding Sensible Software and bringing to life classics like Sensible Soccer and Cannon Fodder, has opened up about his steadfast refusal to revive the legendary Sensible Soccer brand—a decision rooted in his artistic values rather than commercial interests.

In a recent interview with Time Extension, Hare, now creative lead at a new studio under Sporty Group, spoke candidly about his stance on returning to the iconic Sensible name, reflecting on a pivotal moment in his career. Sensible Software, founded in 1986 by Jon Hare and Chris Yates, carved out a unique space in the gaming landscape with celebrated titles such as Wizball, Mega Lo Mania, Sensible Golf, and the notably influential Sensible Soccer series.

Sensible Soccer, first released in 1992, became a staple of the sports genre, lauded for its accessible gameplay and enduring fan following.

After the studio’s acquisition by Codemasters in 1999, Hare continued his association with the franchise, even collaborating on Sensible Soccer 2006, the last mainline title in the series. Despite the enduring popularity of Sensible Soccer—further evidenced by its nostalgic appeal among Nintendo Switch and eShop audiences—Hare explained his reasons for distancing himself from the Sensible branding.

Recounting a past opportunity to revive the game, Hare told Time Extension: nine years ago, he had the chance to bring back Sensible Soccer in collaboration with Codemasters before their acquisition by EA.

He chose not to pursue it, stating that he did not want audiences drawing comparisons to Sensible World of Soccer, which he regards as his finest work.

"For me, it was important not to reuse the Sensible name," Hare noted.

"Comparisons would be inevitable, and the expectation could never be recaptured." Hare likened the temptation to revisit old brands to classic British sitcoms like Fawlty Towers, which remain untarnished partly because of their limited runs.

He emphasized that, though leveraging a storied name might offer commercial gain, it could also dilute the creative legacy.

"I'm the last person who wants to damage Sensible Soccer’s reputation.

For me, it's always been about more than money," Hare reflected. Drawing on his experience rebooting Bitmap Brothers’ Speedball with Tower Studios in 2012, Hare highlighted the challenges of reviving classic franchises.

While the Speedball remake experienced initial commercial success, its impact was fleeting.

"It’s like watching a band come back for a short tour—they might enjoy a brief resurgence, but can’t recreate what once was," Hare explained.

"You can’t live in your past as an artist." Hare’s latest project, Sociable Soccer, is a spiritual successor that references Sensible Soccer’s heritage while carving out its distinct identity.

He insists that, both legally and creatively, the name stands apart from the original.

"Every name belongs to its own time; each legacy has its place," he concluded. Jon Hare’s devotion to creative authenticity offers a revealing look at the pressures and responsibilities facing legendary game developers.

His career—spanning Sensible Software’s 1980s and 1990s heyday to modern releases accessible via platforms like Nintendo Switch—highlights the delicate balance between innovation and nostalgia in the gaming industry.

Jon Hare Sensible Soccer Sensible Software