Jar of Sparks, an indie developer spun up in 2022, is pausing growth on its debut mission because it searches for funding.
On LinkedIn, founder Jerry Hook defined present workers could be allowed to search for new alternatives throughout this course of. “In case you’re looking for distinctive professionals who’re pushed and assume exterior the field, please attain out,” he wrote. “We’d be more than pleased to attach you with among the finest builders I’ve had the pleasure of working beside.”
Jar of Sparks was based as a NetEase subsidiary, and Hook stated in 2022 the studio supposed to make “a brand new technology of narrative-driven motion video games.” This marks one of many first builders to stop operations and reduce workers in 2025.
All through 2022 and 2023, NetEase courted veterans from builders like Ubisoft, Riot Video games, and Cryptic Studios to spin up their very own groups. As of final 12 months, the standing of these different studios is unknown. By December, the tech big was reportedly making ready to close down Ouka Studios, which had launched Visions of Mana in August.
Roadblocks for different new studios from veteran builders
Earlier than 2024 ended, two different builders have been in comparable positions as Jar of Sparks. Worlds Unknown, a studio headed up by BioWare alum Mac Walters, additionally ceased operations to hunt for a brand new publishing accomplice. Equally, Tales of Kenzera creator Surgent Studios paused actions and supplied a public first take a look at its present mission, ‘Uso,‘ to lure potential companions.
Of Jar’s first recreation, Hook stated the group “strived to create one thing actually new and thrilling for the trade. We couldn’t be prouder of the groundwork we’ve laid collectively. […] From the day we shaped to this very second, this group has achieved exceptional feats—proving {that a} small, centered, and devoted group can obtain nice outcomes. We thank every of them for his or her braveness, ability, and friendship.”
“Thanks to everybody who supported us all through our journey right here at Jar of Sparks,” he concluded, “and we sit up for updating you all with our subsequent step in our journey.”
