NetEase’s Game Studio, Jar of Sparks, Halts Work and Searches for New Partner

by Sylvia January 8, 2025

NetEase’s game studio, Jar of Sparks, has announced that it will halt work on its current title as it searches for a new publishing partner. The studio, founded in 2022 by Halo and Destiny 2 veteran Jerry Hook, aimed to create narrative-driven action games with immersive worlds. This news comes after another NetEase studio, Worlds Untold, also paused operations in 2024 due to financial reasons. The situation may indicate a shift in priorities for NetEase, as they recently renewed their deal to operate Blizzard games in China. Employees are now seeking new opportunities, suggesting this setback is more permanent.

NetEase’s Game Studio, Jar of Sparks, Halts Work and Searches for New Partner

– NetEase launched Jar of Sparks game studio in 2022 to create narrative-driven action games, but they have halted work and are looking for a new publisher.
– This is similar to the situation with NetEase’s other studio, Worlds Untold, which also paused operations due to halted financing.
– The situation may indicate a shift in priorities at NetEase, possibly focusing on guaranteed money-making projects rather than new ventures.

In 2022, NetEase unveiled its new game studio, Jar of Sparks, led by industry veteran Jerry Hook. The studio’s mission was to create narrative-driven action games that would immerse players in captivating worlds. However, just a few years later, Hook announced on LinkedIn that Jar of Sparks would be halting work while searching for a new publisher (via VGC). This setback is reminiscent of the situation with another NetEase studio, Worlds Untold, which also had big aspirations but had to pause operations when funding ended (PC Gamer).

In his LinkedIn message, Hook expressed pride in the team’s efforts and the groundwork they had laid together. He also mentioned that the talented members of the team would be exploring new opportunities, inviting potential employers to connect with them. While Hook stated that they look forward to updating everyone on the next step, the fact that employees are now seeking new jobs suggests this may be more than just a temporary pause.

This situation could indicate a shift in priorities for NetEase. The company previously ended funding for Worlds Untold, citing the need to reassess and prioritize opportunities based on current market conditions. Many other companies have also made similar decisions due to market conditions in recent years. However, NetEase recently renewed its deal to operate Blizzard games in China, which has sparked increased player enthusiasm and growth. It’s possible that NetEase is seeking stable revenue streams with established franchises rather than taking risks with new projects.

The future of Jar of Sparks remains uncertain, and it is unclear how this pause will impact the developers and their creative vision. The gaming industry is known for its highs and lows, with successes and setbacks being a regular part of the landscape. However, the passion, creativity, and talent that the team at Jar of Sparks possesses are qualities that will undoubtedly continue to be sought after in the industry.

In conclusion, the halting of work at Jar of Sparks marks a challenging moment for the studio and its ambitious goals. The search for a new publisher puts the team’s creative vision on hold, and the employees are now exploring new opportunities. This situation reflects a broader shift in priorities at NetEase, as the company seeks to focus on established franchises and guaranteed revenue streams. The future remains uncertain for Jar of Sparks, but the talent and passion of the team will undoubtedly find new outlets and continue to shape the gaming industry.