Ocean Software co-founder David Ward has died Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Ocean Software co-founder David Ward has died Aged 75. News by Matt Wales Reporter Published on 9 May 2022 23 comments David Ward, co-founder of renowned game developer and publisher Ocean Software, has died at the age of 75. Ward founded Ocean with Jon Woods in 1983, and the Manchester-based company - initially known as Spectrum Games - would go on to become one of the era's biggest publishers. Its extensive output spanned the 80s and early 90s, with a focus on arcade conversions and licensed games, including the likes of 1984's legendary Daley Thompson's Decathlon, and home computer versions of Batman, RoboCop, and the Addams Family. News of Ward's death was shared by his son Ben Ward on Twitter earlier today. "Sad to report that my father David Ward has died," he wrote. "Born in 1947, he was a computer games pioneer and father of six. We had a complicated relationship and we loved each other. Will miss you Pop." Following the news of his death, friends, former colleagues, and peers have moved to pay tribute to Ward and celebrate his significant contributions to the industry. "David Ward had such an effect on so many of us in the games industry," GamesAid Trustee Gina Jackson OBE wrote on Twitter. "His impact can still be seen globally but particularly in the Manchester games scene." Ward, alongside Ocean co-founder Woods, were inducted into the ELSPA Hall of Fame for their contributions to the games industry in 2004. "Many people consider Ocean Software to be pioneers who helped to transform the UK computer and video games into a real multi national business," ELSPA director general Roger Bennett said at the time. "Together Ward and Woods coined much of the terminology of the games industry and instigated many of its milestones, including the use of brands and franchises from traditional media and the formal processes of protecting intellectual property." Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 8 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Genshin Impact Path of Gleaming Jade dates, login event rewards Including other anniversary rewards and how to claim them. Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store