Jar of Sparks, the studio founded in 2022 by Xbox veteran Jerry Hook in partnership with publisher NetEase, says it is pausing development on its debut game in hopes of raising new funding.
The Seattle-based company was working on “a new generation of narrative action games,” according to its original announcement. However, an update posted on LinkedIn this week said it is now allowing staff to find new jobs. while searching for a new publishing partner.
“Today, we notified our team that Jar of Sparks will pause work on our current title while we search for a new publishing partner who can help bring our creative vision to life,” the update reads.
“Throughout this journey, our passionate, motivated and innovative team has taken bold risks and pushed boundaries, striving to create something truly new and exciting for the industry. “We couldn’t be more proud of the groundwork we have laid together.”
The post continues: “As we prepare for this next step, our talented team members will explore new opportunities. If you are looking for exceptional professionals who are motivated and think outside the box, please contact us. We’ll be more than happy to connect you with some of the best developers I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
“From the day we formed Jar of Sparks to this very moment, this team has accomplished remarkable feats, proving that a small, focused and dedicated group can achieve great results. We thank each of them for their bravery, skill and friendship.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us during our journey here at Jar of Sparks, we look forward to letting you all know about the next step in our journey.”
Hook, CEO and studio head of Jar of Sparks, is a Microsoft veteran who helped launch the original Xbox and was a founding member of Xbox Live. He has held executive roles across multiple disciplines for the Halo and Destiny franchises, and most recently was lead designer for Halo Infinite.
Hook was joined by creative director Paul Crocker, who was lead narrative director on Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham trilogy, executive producer Greg Stone, who was a producer on Doom and Halo Infinite, and game director Steve Dyck, who previously worked as animation director and title design director for the Halo, SSX and NBA Street franchises.
