Back in 2022 we got word of NetEase funding a new studio known as Jar of Sparks, which is being headed by Jerry Hook, whose prior accolades include work on Destiny 2 and Halo Infinite. The studio was angling to “create a new generation of narrative-driven action games, with immersive worlds that will be filled with moments that gamers will want to share with each other,” according to NetEase at the time.
Apparently those aspirations have changed in the intervening years, as Hook announced last week that NetEase has pulled its funding and the project the studio was working is being halted for the time being.
“Earlier today, 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.”
While development on this untitled game has been paused, Hook expresses optimism for Jar of Sparks’ prospects, as he promises to update followers on the “next step in [the company’s] journey.”
You likely noticed the use of the word “another” in the headline. That’s because NetEase did a similar thing to Worlds Untold, a studio led by Mass Effect alumni that it funded in 2023. Incidentally, that studio has yet to provide any new updates since that announcement, and its official site appears to be down.
