NetEase Studio Pauses Work on First Game Amid Search for New Publisher
Jar of Sparks, the Seattle-based “AAA” studio founded by former Halo Infinite head of design Jerry Hook in 2022, has decided to put a temporary pause on the development of its first unannounced title. The reason behind this abrupt decision? The studio is currently on the hunt for a new publishing partner. In a recent statement on LinkedIn, Hook shared that the team is actively seeking a new collaborator to help bring their creative vision to life.
Initial Buzz and Uncertainty
When Jar of Sparks burst onto the scene in July 2022, it was hailed as a first-party developer for the Chinese publishing giant, NetEase. The studio was poised to shake up the gaming world with its focus on crafting narrative-driven action games. However, since the initial excitement, there has been a noticeable silence surrounding Jar of Sparks. With Hook’s departure from 343 Industries and Microsoft earlier this year, the future of the studio seemed uncertain.
A Bold Vision and Gratitude
In his statement, Hook expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments, highlighting their courage, skill, and friendship throughout the creative process. He commended the team for taking risks and pushing boundaries to create something truly innovative. Although details about the future plans for Jar of Sparks remain scarce, Hook assured that the talented team members are actively exploring new opportunities.
Searching for New Homes
While the announcement did not explicitly mention layoffs, a separate post hinted that the majority of the team members would be seeking new opportunities as the studio wraps up its first project. The team at Jar of Sparks is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for all members as they embark on this new chapter.
Looking Ahead
As Jar of Sparks navigates this period of transition, the studio remains grateful for the support it has received from fans and industry partners. The team is eager to share updates on their next steps as they continue their journey in the gaming world. Stay tuned for more developments from Jar of Sparks as they forge ahead into the future.