Halo Infinite Studio Halts Debut Game

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

Hook's LinkedIn post confirmed the development halt, stating the team is exploring new opportunities and will assist its members in finding new roles in the coming weeks. While layoffs weren't explicitly mentioned, the implication is clear. This follows a pattern of veteran developers forming studios under NetEase, as seen with Hiroyuki Kobayashi's GPTRACK50 Studios.

NetEase, a prominent Chinese gaming company, currently supports live-service titles such as Once Human and Marvel Rivals. The latter recently launched its Season 1 Battle Pass and is preparing for the addition of the Fantastic Four.

Jar of Sparks' initial project, described as a "next-generation narrative-driven action game," has apparently encountered unforeseen challenges, necessitating the search for a new publisher. Hook expressed pride in the team's innovative work despite the setback.

The news comes amidst a period of transition for the Halo franchise, Hook's previous employer. 343 Industries' rebranding to Halo Studios and the shift to Unreal Engine suggest a potential revitalization for the series. While Jar of Sparks temporarily suspends development, the future of both the studio and the Halo franchise remains uncertain but potentially promising.

[See at Official Site]