Halo Infinite Design Head\'s Studio Halts Its First Game Project

Jar of Sparks, NetEase's Studio, Pauses First Game Project, Seeks New Publisher

Jerry Hook, former Halo Infinite design lead, announced that his studio, Jar of Sparks, a NetEase subsidiary, has temporarily halted development on its debut game project. Hook, who left 343 Industries and Microsoft in 2022 to found Jar of Sparks, described the project as a "next-generation narrative-driven action game." The studio's recent silence signaled potential difficulties, culminating in the announcement of their search for a new publishing partner.

NetEase, a global gaming giant, currently supports live-service titles such as Once Human and Marvel Rivals. The latter, launched in December 2024, recently unveiled its Season 1 Battle Pass and is gearing up for the addition of the Fantastic Four on January 10th.

Hook's LinkedIn post confirmed the development pause, explaining Jar of Sparks is seeking a publishing partner to help realize its creative vision. He expressed pride in the team's innovative work and bold risks taken since the studio's 2022 inception.

Studio Transition and Team Placement

While layoffs weren't explicitly stated, Hook indicated the team will be exploring new opportunities. A subsequent post clarified the studio's commitment to assisting team members in finding new roles within the industry over the coming weeks as the first project concludes. This situation echoes the 2022 formation of GPTRACK50 Studios by former Resident Evil producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi, another NetEase partnership.

Looking Ahead: Halo and Jar of Sparks

The Halo franchise, Hook's former domain, has faced challenges recently, including mixed reception for Halo Infinite's post-launch content and the Paramount+ series. Meanwhile, Jar of Sparks' temporary hiatus coincides with 343 Industries' rebranding to Halo Studios and a shift to Unreal Engine for future Halo titles, potentially signaling a revitalization for the franchise.

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