The tech news cycle has felt a bit heavy lately, especially with the wave of project adjustments sweeping through major companies. This past month has seen a number of development efforts quietly shelved. Now, we’re hearing about another title joining that growing list, and this one comes from the creative minds behind the popular Just Cause series.
Reports are now firm that Microsoft has decided to halt work on Contraband, a fresh project from Avalanche Studios. The team at Avalanche, known for their explosive open-world adventures, has also confirmed this news. It’s always tough to see a promising idea hit the brakes.
Contraband first peeked out into the public eye during the Xbox Showcase at E3 2021. It was pitched as an open-world game built for co-op play. The setting was rather unique, taking players back to the 1970s. After that initial reveal, details became incredibly scarce. Many of us had almost forgotten about the game until this recent announcement brought it back into conversation, but not in the way anyone hoped.
The news outlet Game File was among the first to confirm the game’s status, indicating a full stop on its production. Despite this, Avalanche Studios has offered a glimmer of hope, or perhaps a careful clarification. They suggest this isn’t a true cancellation. Instead, they describe it as a temporary pause for the project. The studio leaves open the possibility that Contraband could one day resume development. For now, though, its future hangs in the balance, a common fate for many ambitious game concepts. We’ll all have to wait and see if this 1970s heist adventure ever gets another chance to shine.