Jar of Sparks, the NetEase-backed studio founded by former Halo Infinite design head Jerry Hook, has paused development on its debut game project. The studio is actively seeking a new publishing partner to help realize its creative vision.
Hook, who left 343 Industries and Microsoft in 2022 to establish Jar of Sparks, described the initial project as a "next-generation narrative-driven action game." While details remain scarce, the decision to halt development and seek a new publisher suggests challenges in bringing the ambitious title to market.
NetEase, a prominent global gaming company, currently supports live-service titles such as Once Human and Marvel Rivals. The latter, released in December 2024, recently launched its Season 1 Battle Pass and is anticipating the arrival of the Fantastic Four in January 2025.
Hook's LinkedIn post confirmed the development pause and the studio's search for a new publishing partner. He expressed pride in the team's progress and innovative approach, noting their "bold risks and pushed boundaries." While layoffs weren't explicitly mentioned, a subsequent post indicated the studio would assist team members in finding new roles in the coming weeks.
This isn't NetEase's first collaboration with a prominent game industry veteran. In 2022, former Resident Evil producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi also established GPTRACK50 Studios under the publisher.
The future of Jar of Sparks remains uncertain, but the studio's commitment to delivering a unique and exciting gaming experience is evident. Meanwhile, the Halo franchise, Hook's former domain, is undergoing its own transformation with 343 Industries' rebranding to Halo Studios and a shift to Unreal Engine for future titles.
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