It's been a tough period for many game companies and it seems it might have got the better of the new team Jar of Sparks.
This developer was formed by the ex-Microsoft, Xbox and Halo veteran Jerry Hook after he exited 343 Industries in 2022. Now, in an update on LinkedIn, he has announced the team will be "halting work" on its current title to search for a new publishing partner.
As part of this, Jar of Sparks is allowing its team to find new work. Here's a portion of what he had to say:
"Earlier today, we notified our team that Jar of Sparks will be halting work on our current title as we search for a new publishing partner who can help bring our creative vision to life. Throughout this journey, our passionate, driven, and innovative team took bold risks and pushed boundaries, striving to create something truly new and exciting for the industry. We couldn’t be prouder of the groundwork we’ve laid together.
"As we prepare for this next step, our talented team members will be exploring new opportunities. If you’re searching for exceptional professionals who are driven and think outside the box, please reach out. We’d be more than happy to connect you with some of the best developers I have had the pleasure of working beside."
The studio's first game was originally estimated to be three to four years away, with the overall goal to create a "new generation of narrative-driven action games in a new world".
Hook was previously the head of design on Halo Infinite at 343 Industries, and originally started out at Microsoft in 2003 - working on Xbox Live and eventually moving to Halo. He also did a stint at Bungie with the Destiny team before returning to Xbox in 2018 to work on Infinite.
Apart from Hook taking on the role of CEO at Jar of Sparks, some other founding members included Greg Stone (a former producer of DOOM), Paul Crocker (lead narrative designer on Batman: Arkham Trilogy) and Steve Dyck (SSX, NBA Street).