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 realize its vision for a next-generation narrative-driven action game.
NetEase, a global gaming giant, currently supports live-service titles like Once Human and the recently launched Marvel Rivals. The latter's successful launch and upcoming content, including the Fantastic Four integration, highlights NetEase's commitment to its live-service portfolio.
Hook's LinkedIn post confirmed the development pause and the search for a new publisher capable of supporting the studio's creative ambitions. While layoffs weren't explicitly stated, Hook indicated the team would be exploring new opportunities, and a subsequent post confirmed efforts to place team members in new roles as the project concludes. This situation mirrors the experience of other veteran developers who have partnered with NetEase, such as Hiroyuki Kobayashi, who founded GPTRACK50 Studios in 2022.
The news comes amidst a period of transition for the Halo franchise, which has faced challenges with Halo Infinite's post-launch content and the reception of the Paramount+ series. However, 343 Industries' rebranding to Halo Studios and the shift to Unreal Engine suggest a potential resurgence for the franchise.
While Jar of Sparks' future remains uncertain, the studio's ambition and the experience of its leadership suggest a potentially exciting project is still in the works, albeit with a new publishing partner.
[Image: A relevant image related to Jar of Sparks or the game's concept, if available. Otherwise, a generic image representing game development.]
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