Earlier this year in May, Microsoft, Xbox and Halo veteran Jerry Hook announced his departure from 343 Industries.
While it wasn't clear at the time what he was moving onto, he's now revealed his new studio 'Jar of Sparks'. It's a new developer backed by Chinese gaming giant NetEase, with Hook taking up the role of company CEO. Other founding members include Paul Crocker (lead narrative designer on Batman: Arkham trilogy), Greg Stone (a producer on DOOM) and Steve Dyck (SSX, NBA Street).
Here's what Hook had to say on social media about the news:
I am excited to announce that our new studio, Jar of Sparks, is up and running. Our mission is to create a new generation of narrative-driven action games in a new world.
We will be building games that are a blast to play, with a team that has the creative freedom to innovate and deliver on their dreams. We are just getting started as a remote/hybrid studio and will be opening roles available worldwide.
The studio's first game is estimated to be three to four years away, so stay tuned. If we hear any updates we'll be sure to let you know.
[source twitter.com, via ign.com]
Comments 5
Netease are the folks who made Diablo Immoral for Blizzard or at least their Hong Kong subsidiary did.
I would be very wary of anything coming from or backed by that particular sphere of gaming.
While that might be unfair to the all the ex- (insert company here) devs it's just a practical reality for me as a consumer until proven otherwise.
Back by Chinese money 🤔 probably much better than 343 still
As long as the games are good, i couldn't care less who made a game or who backed a game. That should be no ones concern at all. All that matters is the game and how well its made and plays.
Micro transactions!
I'm always wary of anything when NetEase or Tencent are involved. The goal sounds wonderful, but....
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