Microsoft Halts Development on Avalanche Studios' 'Contraband'

Microsoft has ceased active development on 'Contraband,' an open-world cooperative game developed by Avalanche Studios, known for the 'Just Cause' series. Announced in 2021, 'Contraband' was set in a fictional 1970s smuggler's paradise and had been in development for nearly five years.

Avalanche Studios stated, "Active development has now stopped while we evaluate the project's future."

This decision follows Microsoft's recent layoffs affecting approximately 9,000 employees, including significant cuts within its gaming division. Other projects impacted include the cancellation of 'Everwild' by Rare and the 'Perfect Dark' reboot by The Initiative, which also led to the studio's closure.

Despite these changes, Microsoft's collaboration with Hideo Kojima on the game 'OD' remains in development.