Halo Infinite lead Jerry Hook and more found NetEase’s Jar of Sparks mobile studio
After his work on Halo Infinite, exclusive to Microsoft’s Xbox, Head of Design Jerry Hook has a new platform in mind: mobile. Hook has teamed up with Diablo Immortal developer Netease to create a brand new game studio called Jar of Sparks.
Halo Infinite Developer Launches Jar of Sparks
Revealed in a press release, mobile game giant Netease is opening a new US studio to create story-based mobile games. The company’s new studio is moving away from the massive free-to-play market and will create premium experiences on mobile.
Headlined by Halo Infinite Head of Design Jerry Hook, New Studio Pot of sparks aims to revolutionize mobile gaming. Hook, a Halo Infinite lead and OG Xbox Live developer, wants to create a unique mobile studio with AAA standards.
Jerry Hook isn’t the only experienced developer in the studio. In addition to the Halo developer, other developers of games such as Batman: Arkham, Doom 2016, SSX and more are on the team. There is certainly a huge amount of action game developers in the studio.
NetEase is adamant that Jar of Sparks will be 100% focused on storytelling games. However, the studio has not explained whether the studio will refrain from multiplayer or free-to-play payment structures.
Hook speaks out
In the press release, Hook explained that the studio is full of experienced developers who have worked for large companies. A large number of 343 Industries followed Hook to Jar of Sparks, as well as developers from other studios. It’s clear that the studio is packed to the brim with talented developers.
“We’ve built games for some of the biggest companies in gaming, and now it’s time to make an effort to put our own personal lightning in a bottle,” Hook said. “We want to create something new, innovative and that’s great to play. When looking for a new studio, the most important part of finding the right partner was aligning with the fundamental goals of having the freedom to take innovative risks and to put the passion of our creators first.”
Hook also explained that NetEase will not maintain its typical studio money robbery practices. Instead, Jar of Sparks will be the player first, trying to push mobile games away from the current stigma. We will always support that.
“This meant that our player experiences came before the company, which in itself is a risk,” he continued. “NetEase came to the table with a strong creative first approach; they showed the same passion we have for our players and build new experiences that players are looking for.”
No details have been released about the studio’s first game. Nevertheless, we can’t wait to see what the studio comes up with.
