Xbox Cancellation: Another Title Pulled by PressFire.no

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Microsoft And Avalanche Put “Contraband” On Indefinite Hold

May 3, 2024

The Highly anticipated open-world game, “Contraband,” developed through a collaboration between Microsoft and Avalanche Studios, has been placed on indefinite hold. This Announcement comes four years after the game’s initial unveiling in 2020.

Avalanche Studios confirmed the development halt in a statement released on their official website. The Company indicated they are currently evaluating the project’s future, acknowledging the enthusiasm shown by players since the game’s announcement.

Image from avalanche Studios’ website.

“Contraband” was set in the 1970s and promised a unique open-world experience. The Game had been in development as 2018, generating significant anticipation within the gaming community.

This Decision follows substantial cuts within Microsoft’s Xbox division,including the cancellation of other prominent titles like “Perfect Dark.” The Recent restructuring raises questions about Microsoft’s long-term strategy for its gaming portfolio.

The Pause on “Contraband” adds to a growing trend of project cancellations and delays within the industry.Several Factors, including shifting market conditions and internal strategic realignments, are contributing to this phenomenon.

The Shifting Landscape of Game development

Game Development is an increasingly complex and expensive undertaking. Rising production costs, coupled with the need for innovative gameplay and compelling narratives, present significant challenges for developers.

Collaborations Between major publishers like Microsoft and self-reliant studios like Avalanche Studios are becoming more common. These Partnerships aim to leverage the strengths of both entities, but also carry inherent risks related to creative control and project management.

The Cancellation of high-profile games can have a ripple effect on the industry. It Impacts not only the developers involved but also the broader gaming ecosystem,possibly influencing investor confidence and consumer expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions About “Contraband”

• What is “Contraband”?

  “Contraband” was an open-world game set in the 1970s, developed in collaboration between Microsoft and Avalanche Studios.

• Why has development been halted?

  Avalanche Studios has paused development to evaluate the project’s future, following recent cuts at Microsoft’s Xbox division.

• Will “Contraband” ever be released?

  The future of “Contraband” is currently uncertain. Avalanche Studios has not provided a definitive timeline for its potential release.

• What other games were affected by the Xbox cuts?

  “Perfect Dark” was among the games canceled as part of the recent restructuring at Microsoft’s Xbox division.

• What is Avalanche Studios known for?

  Avalanche studios is best known for developing the “Just Cause” series of open-world action games.

• How long was “Contraband” in development?

  “Contraband” had been in development since 2018, approximately six years before the development halt.

What are your thoughts on the “Contraband” delay? Share your opinions in the comments below and let us know what you think about the recent changes at Xbox.