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

Jar of Sparks, the NetEase-backed studio founded by former Halo Infinite design head Jerry Hook, has paused development on its debut game project. The studio is actively seeking a new publishing partner to help realize its creative vision.

Hook, who left 343 Industries and Microsoft in 2022 to establish Jar of Sparks, described the initial project as a "next-generation narrative-driven action game." While the studio has remained relatively quiet since its inception, this recent announcement confirms a shift in strategy.

NetEase, a prominent global video game company, currently supports live-service titles such as Once Human and Marvel Rivals. The latter, released in December 2024, recently launched its Season 1 Battle Pass and is preparing for the addition of the Fantastic Four in January 2025.

Hook's LinkedIn post confirmed the development pause and the search for a new publisher. He expressed pride in the team's innovative work and bold creative risks, emphasizing the desire to find a partner capable of bringing their vision to fruition.

While layoffs weren't explicitly mentioned, Hook indicated that team members would be exploring new opportunities and that the studio would assist in finding them new roles in the coming weeks. This isn't NetEase's first collaboration with a veteran developer; former Resident Evil producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi established GPTRACK50 Studios under NetEase in 2022.

The news comes amidst a period of transition for the Halo franchise, following challenges with Halo Infinite's post-launch support and the reception of the Paramount+ series. The recent restructuring of 343 Industries into Halo Studios and the shift to Unreal Engine may signal a renewed focus for the franchise.

[Image: A relevant image showcasing Jar of Sparks' game concept art or a team photo could be inserted here.]