Jar of Sparks Halts Work on Unannounced Title
Jar of Sparks, the Seattle-based “AAA” studio founded by Jerry Hook, head of design for Halo Infinite, in 2022, has paused development on its first unannounced title as it seeks a new publishing partner. The studio is also working to find new opportunities for its team members.
Background on Jar of Sparks
Officially introduced in July 2022, Jar of Sparks was positioned as a first-party developer for NetEase, focusing on crafting narrative-driven action games. Despite this initial announcement, updates on the studio’s progress have been scarce. However, Jerry Hook, who left 343 Industries and Microsoft in May 2002, recently shared a statement on LinkedIn hinting at an uncertain future for Jar of Sparks.
Statement from Jerry Hook
In a post on LinkedIn, Hook expressed, “Earlier today, we notified our team that Jar of Sparks will be pausing work on our current project to seek a new publishing partner who can help realize our creative vision. Our team has taken risks, pushed boundaries, and strived to deliver something innovative for the industry. We are immensely proud of the groundwork we have laid together.”
Subsequently, Hook mentioned, “As we move forward, our talented team members will be exploring new opportunities. Since the inception of Jar of Sparks, our team has achieved remarkable feats, demonstrating that a small, focused, and dedicated group can accomplish great results. We appreciate each team member for their dedication, expertise, and camaraderie.”
Future Plans for Jar of Sparks
While Jar of Sparks’ announcement does not explicitly state layoffs, a separate message from Hook implies that the studio will assist its team members in finding new roles as they wrap up their first project. Questions have been raised to Jar of Sparks and NetEase for further clarity on this situation.
In conclusion, Hook expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you to everyone who has supported us on our journey at Jar of Sparks. We eagerly anticipate updating you on our next steps.”