Following Worlds Untold, directed by Mass Effect Legendary Edition Mac Walters, another game studio, opened with the financial support of the Chinese NetEase Games, is in trouble.
Image source: Steam (Flavius Claudius Julianus)
We’re talking about Jar of Sparks, founded by Halo and Destiny veteran Jerry Hook. At the announcement of the studio in July 2022, NetEase noted that the team is aimed at creating story-driven AAA action games of a new generation.
This was the goal until January 7, 2025, when Hook, on behalf of Jar of Sparks management, announced on the business social network LinkedIn that the studio was suspending operations and work on its debut project.
«On this journey, our passionate and innovative team has taken risks and pushed boundaries in an effort to create something truly new and exciting for the industry. We couldn’t be prouder of the foundation we laid together,” Hook said.
Image source: Jar of Sparks
As in the case of Worlds Untold, the reason was the termination of funding from NetEase. Jar of Sparks is now looking for a new publishing partner to help “realize our creative vision.”
Hook’s post suggests that the situation is temporary, but that Jar of Sparks’ unpaid employees will now “start looking for new opportunities” (placements, in other words).
Apparently, there has been a change in priorities at NetEase. The company recently extended its agreement with Blizzard, which resulted in significant audience growth. Perhaps management decided to rely on guaranteed sources of income rather than risky initiatives.