'Halo Infinite' Dev Studio's Debut Game Canceled

Jar of Sparks, NetEase-Backed Studio, Pauses First Game Project, Seeks New Publisher

Jerry Hook, former design lead for Halo Infinite, announced that his studio, Jar of Sparks, a NetEase partner, has temporarily halted development on its debut project. The studio, formed in 2022 after Hook's departure from 343 Industries and Microsoft, aimed to create a "next-generation narrative-driven action game." However, the studio is now actively searching for a new publishing partner to help realize its creative vision.

NetEase, a prominent global video game company, currently supports live-service titles such as Once Human and the recently launched Marvel Rivals. The latter's successful launch, including the recent announcement of Season 1 Battle Pass skins and upcoming Fantastic Four content, highlights NetEase's commitment to its live-service portfolio.

Hook's LinkedIn post confirmed the development pause and the studio's search for a new publisher. He expressed pride in the team's innovative work and bold creative risks, emphasizing the need for a partner who can fully support their vision. While layoffs weren't explicitly stated, Hook indicated that team members would be exploring new opportunities and the studio would assist in finding new roles for its staff in the coming weeks. This situation mirrors the experience of other veteran developers who have partnered with NetEase to launch new studios, such as Hiroyuki Kobayashi's GPTRACK50 Studios.

The news comes amidst a period of transition for the Halo franchise, Hook's previous employer. Halo Infinite's post-launch challenges and the reception of the Paramount+ series have been well-documented. However, 343 Industries' rebranding to Halo Studios and the shift to Unreal Engine for future titles suggest a potential resurgence for the franchise.

While Jar of Sparks' project is temporarily on hold, the gaming industry awaits the studio's next move and the potential impact of its search for a new publishing partner. The future of the studio's ambitious project remains uncertain, but the team's dedication to innovation is clear.