Jar of Sparks, the Seattle-based “AAA” studio established by Halo Infinite head of design Jerry Hook again in 2022, has halted work its presently unannounced first title because it searches for a brand new publishing accomplice, and that is it is trying to “discover all of our group new properties” because of this.
When Jar of Sparks was initially unveiled in July 2022, it was described as a first-party developer for Chinese language writer NetEase that will deal with creating the “subsequent technology of narrative-driven motion video games”. Little has been heard from the studio since then, however Hook – who introduced his departure from 343 Industries and Microsoft again in Could 2002 – has now shared an announcement on LinkedIn, suggesting Jar of Sparks’ future is unsure.
“Earlier right now,” Hook wrote, “we notified our group that Jar of Sparks will probably be halting work on our present title as we seek for a brand new publishing accomplice who can assist deliver our inventive imaginative and prescient to life. All through this journey, our passionate, pushed, and progressive group took daring dangers and pushed boundaries, striving to create one thing actually new and thrilling for the business. We couldn’t be prouder of the groundwork we’ve laid collectively.”
“As we put together for this subsequent step,” Hook continued, “our proficient group members will probably be exploring new alternatives… From the day we shaped Jar of Sparks to this very second, this group has completed exceptional feats—proving {that a} small, targeted, and devoted group can obtain nice outcomes. We thank every of them for his or her braveness, ability, and friendship.”
Jar of Sparks’ announcement does not point out layoffs explicitly, however a separate publish from Hook says the studio “will probably be working over the subsequent few weeks to search out all of our group new properties as we shut our first mission”, suggesting the vast majority of workers will probably be departing following right now’s information. Eurogamer has reached out to Jar of Sparks for clarification, and to NetEase relating to its present relationship with the studio.
“Thanks to everybody who supported us all through our journey right here at Jar of Sparks,” the assertion concludes. “We sit up for updating you all with our subsequent step in our journey.”
