Microsoft has officially announced that they have cancelled development on their highly anticipated co-op title, Contraband. The game was being developed by Avalanche Studios, the makers of the popular Just Cause series. This news comes just a month after Xbox announced widespread cuts, resulting in the cancellation of several projects.
Contraband was first announced at the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2021 with a cinematic trailer that instantly caught the attention of gamers worldwide. Set in the 1970s, the game was described as a co-op open-world game where players would control smugglers working together to complete dangerous heists. It was being developed exclusively for Xbox and PC and was expected to be a major release for the console.
The decision to cancel Contraband was not an easy one for Microsoft. The company values creativity and innovation, and they were excited about the potential of Contraband. However, after careful consideration, they have decided that it would not meet their high standards for quality and player satisfaction.
In a statement, Microsoft said, “At Xbox, we are committed to delivering the best gaming experience to our players. After evaluating the progress of Contraband, we have decided to end development on the game. We believe in working with talented developers who share our passion for gaming, and we will continue to support Avalanche Studios in their future projects.”
This news may come as a disappointment to fans who were eagerly waiting for the release of Contraband. However, it is important to remember that game development is a complex process, and sometimes, changes need to be made in order to create the best possible experience for players.
Despite the cancellation of Contraband, Xbox fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months. Microsoft’s commitment to delivering the best gaming experience means that they are constantly working on new and exciting projects. The company recently announced that they will be acquiring multiple game studios to expand their first-party lineup, and they have already seen success with exclusive titles such as Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite.
In addition, Xbox has also been making significant improvements to their Game Pass subscription service, offering players a vast library of games at an affordable price. With new games being added every month, there is no shortage of options for players to choose from.
As for Avalanche Studios, the cancellation of Contraband does not mean the end for them. The studio has a strong track record of delivering successful games, and they have several projects currently in development. Just Cause 4 was a critical and commercial success, and fans are eagerly waiting for the release of the highly anticipated sequel, Just Cause Mobile.
In conclusion, while the cancellation of Contraband may be disappointing, it is important to remember that it is a decision made in the best interest of players. Microsoft remains committed to delivering the best gaming experience, and they will continue to support Avalanche Studios in their future endeavors. With a strong lineup of exclusive titles and improvements to their services, Xbox continues to be a top choice for gamers worldwide.
