Jar of Sparks: A Studio in Transition
Jar of Sparks, the Seattle-based “AAA” studio established by Halo Infinite head of design Jerry Hook back in 2022, has halted work on its currently unannounced first title as it searches for a new publishing partner, and is looking to “find all of our team new homes” as a result.
The Journey of Jar of Sparks
When Jar of Sparks was initially unveiled in July 2022, it was described as a first-party developer for Chinese publisher NetEase that would focus on creating the “next generation of narrative-driven action games”. Little has been heard from the studio since then, but Hook – who announced his departure from 343 Industries and Microsoft back in May 2002 – has now shared a statement on LinkedIn, suggesting Jar of Sparks’ future is uncertain.
A New Chapter
“Earlier today,” Hook wrote, “we notified our team that Jar of Sparks will be halting work on our current title as we search for a new publishing partner who can help bring our creative vision to life. Throughout this journey, our passionate, driven, and innovative team took bold risks and pushed boundaries, striving to create something truly new and exciting for the industry. We couldn’t be prouder of the groundwork we’ve laid together.”
“As we prepare for this next step,” Hook continued, “our talented team members will be exploring new opportunities… From the day we formed Jar of Sparks to this very moment, this team has accomplished remarkable feats—proving that a small, focused, and dedicated group can achieve great results. We thank each of them for their courage, skill, and friendship.”
The Future of Jar of Sparks
Jar of Sparks’ announcement doesn’t mention layoffs explicitly, but a separate post from Hook says the studio “will be working over the next few weeks to find all of our team new homes as we close our first project”, suggesting the majority of staff will be departing following today’s news. Eurogamer has reached out to Jar of Sparks for clarification, and to NetEase regarding its current relationship with the studio.
“Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout our journey here at Jar of Sparks,” the statement concludes. “We look forward to updating you all with our next step in our journey.”
FAQs
Q: Will Jar of Sparks be continuing its work on the current title?
A: Jar of Sparks has halted work on its current title as it searches for a new publishing partner.
Q: What is the focus of Jar of Sparks as a studio?
A: Jar of Sparks was established to create the “next generation of narrative-driven action games” as a first-party developer for Chinese publisher NetEase.
Credit: www.eurogamer.net
