Halo Infinite Lead Abandons Debut Project

Jar of Sparks' First Project Paused; Studio 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. The studio, formed in 2022, aimed to create "next-generation narrative-driven action games," but is now actively searching for a new publishing partner to realize its creative vision.

NetEase, a global gaming giant, currently supports live-service titles like Once Human and Marvel Rivals. The latter, launched recently to great success, recently unveiled its Season 1 Battle Pass and is preparing for the arrival of the Fantastic Four on January 10th. This robust live-service portfolio contrasts with Jar of Sparks' current situation.

Hook's LinkedIn post confirmed the development pause, emphasizing the studio's commitment to finding a partner capable of fully supporting their ambitious project. He expressed pride in the team's innovative work, despite the setback. While layoffs weren't explicitly stated, Hook indicated that team members will be exploring new opportunities, with the studio actively assisting in finding placements for all team members in the coming weeks.

This isn't NetEase's first collaboration with a prominent industry veteran. In 2022, former Resident Evil producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi also established GPTRACK50 Studios under NetEase.

The future of the Halo franchise, Hook's former domain, remains uncertain following the mixed reception of Halo Infinite and its associated media. However, 343 Industries' rebranding to Halo Studios and the shift to Unreal Engine suggest a potential resurgence for the series. Meanwhile, Jar of Sparks' temporary pause provides an opportunity for strategic repositioning.

See the Official Site (Link not provided as it was not present in the original text)