Microsoft Halts Development on Contraband: What This Means for Gamers
In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has officially halted development on Contraband, a highly anticipated co-op open-world game from Avalanche Studios. Initially announced four years ago with much fanfare during E3 2021, the game has since seen little to no progress, leading to speculation about its future. Avalanche confirmed that while active development has stopped, the project is not outright canceled, leaving a glimmer of hope for fans.
Contraband was set to be a significant title for both Avalanche, known for the Just Cause series, and Microsoft, aiming to expand its gaming portfolio. The game promised an immersive experience set in the 1970s, but with the recent layoffs within Microsofts gaming division and the cancellation of other projects like Rare’s Everwild, the fate of Contraband remains uncertain. As the gaming community reflects on this news, many are left wondering what this means for the future of ambitious titles in development.
As we await further updates, it’s essential to consider how this decision reflects broader trends in the gaming industry. Will we see more projects put on hold as companies reassess their strategies? Or could this be a moment for new opportunities to emerge? Only time will tell.
Original source: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-has-reportedly-stopped-development-on-avalanche-studios-contraband/