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Xbox veteran Jerry Hook is leading a new development studio for China’s NetEase

IbizaPocholo

NeoGAFs Kent Brockman

Based in Seattle but looking to recruit globally, the studio’s mission is to “create a new generation of narrative-driven action games”.

Jar of Sparks CEO and studio head Hook is a Microsoft veteran who helped launch the original Xbox and was a founding member of Xbox Live. He has held executive roles across multiple disciplines for the Halo and Destiny franchises, most recently serving as head of design for Halo Infinite.

He will be joined by creative director Paul Crocker, who was lead narrative director on Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham trilogy. He then worked as narrative director for Batman: Arkham Origins studio Warner Bros. Games Montreal, before holding the same position at 343 Industries.

Jar of Sparks executive producer Greg Stone was a producer on Doom and Halo Infinite, and gameplay director Steve Dyck has previously worked as an animation director and design director for titles in the Halo, SSX and NBA Street franchises.

“We have built games for some of the biggest companies in gaming, and now it’s time to take a shot at putting our own personal lightning in a bottle,” said Hook. “We want to create something new, innovative and that’s a blast to play.

“When looking to create a new studio the most critical part of finding the right partner was being aligned on the fundamental goals of having the freedom to take innovative risks and to put the passion of our creators first. This meant that our player experiences came before the business, which itself is a risk.

“NetEase came to the table with a strong creative first approach; they demonstrated the same passion we have for our players and building new experiences that we believe players are looking for.”
 

Lady Jane

Banned
Oh look another dream team studio that will end up chasing a trend that someone else is doing better, can't wait.
 
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Black_Stride

do not tempt fate do not contrain Wonder Woman's thighs do not do not
From the other thread:

A good amount of the creative team left to get that Chinese money.
Im sure hes also going to NetEase. A Jar Of Sparks Studios.

Our Chinese overlords have infiltrated deep enough we dont even bat an eye anymore when major talent gets owned by them.

How do you silently take over?
Dont make acquisitions, just buy creative leads and have them announce they have have started a new studio......it just so happens to be comprised of a bunch of people from that one other studio.
The team doesnt even need to move cities, just make offices nextdoor to their current job so they can easily "scout" more of their old team.
Clever Girl.

The new studio logo:
Jar-of-Sparks-Netease-game-studio-800x450.jpg






P.S: Id think this is thread worthy.....a good portion of 343i creative have gone to NetEase....basically at the same time.
 
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