Jar of Sparks, a Seattle-based game development studio founded by Jerry Hook, who previously served as the head of design on Halo Infinite, has made the decision to temporarily halt production on its debut title, which remains under wraps.
Established in July 2022, the studio is actively seeking a new publishing partner and is also focused on helping its team members find new job opportunities.
Studio’s Aspirations and Current Challenges
Upon its inception, Jar of Sparks aimed to carve out a niche as a first-party developer alongside the Chinese publisher NetEase, with a mission to create innovative, story-driven action games.
However, since then, updates regarding the studio’s progress have been limited.
In a recent statement on LinkedIn, Hook shared insights about the company’s uncertain circumstances following his departure from 343 Industries and Microsoft earlier this year.
Team’s Future and Search for a Publishing Partner
In his communication to the team, Hook announced the decision to pause the current project while searching for a publishing partner that aligns with their creative vision.
He took a moment to reflect on the team’s spirit, expressing pride in their commitment to pushing boundaries and their willingness to embrace risks, which has led to a promising foundation for their endeavors.
Hook also indicated that team members will begin considering new avenues as they prepare for the next chapter in the studio’s story.
He recognized their achievements and emphasized that a small, dedicated group can achieve remarkable things together.
His message conveyed a deep appreciation for their courage, talent, and the strong bonds formed throughout this journey.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Although Jar of Sparks did not specifically mention layoffs, Hook’s remarks hinted that many team members might soon seek new positions due to the development pause.
Meanwhile, Eurogamer is conducting inquiries to clarify the studio’s ongoing connection with NetEase.
In closing, Hook expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received during their time at Jar of Sparks, hinting at a hopeful outlook for future announcements about the studio’s direction.
Source: Eurogamer