I vaguely remember thinking of Contraband as an excellent candidate to become something that could blossom into a massive open-world co-op game from Xbox Game Studios. Developed by Avalanche Studios, creators of the Just Cause series, it was to be pitched as a huge cooperative heist game complete with big maps and plenty of action. Unfortunately, Microsoft now appears to have withdrawn funding for the title, putting its future in limbo.
What Was Contraband?
Contraband was touted as an Xbox-exclusive installment co-created by Avalanche Studios, along with Xbox Studios Publishing. True to form, it would favor open-world exploration, multiplayer teamwork, and audacious heists that would rival the best co-op titles out there.
The game was designed for the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, leading many players to guess that it would come to Xbox Game Pass from its launch. Given Avalanche Studios’ dramas of being the ideal candidate for all things sandbox action, there was seemingly much validity in this assumption.
Why Did Microsoft Cancel Contraband?
According to industry sources, Microsoft has cut the funding after years of shared development time. Officially ambiguous about the demise of the title, Avalanche, however, announced that the development had stopped. They will be giving an update “as soon as we can,” leaving a tiny glimmer of a chance for its revival.
Some insiders believe it was all part of Microsoft’s bigger change in strategy. Several projects have either been canceled or delayed by Xbox Game Studios in the last couple of months. Halo and Forza are among the big names that remain safe, whereas smaller, riskier projects seem most prone to cuts.
Can Contraband Still Be Released on PS5 or PC?
At this point, things get interesting. Although Contraband began life as an Xbox Series X-only game, Microsoft’s leaving the stage means that Avalanche can now approach other publishers. With some luck, it may even feature on the PS5-or as a multi-platform release.
That would be a major change, especially for a title that was initially promoted as a flagship Xbox exclusive. Fans have already been speculating online about the possibility of a PS5 version.
What Made Contraband Different?
With a supposed premise of huge and open-ended co-op heist planning and execution on a very big scale, Contraband was far from being just another shooter or racing game.
Co-op gameplay: Players could plan missions with their friends.
Sandbox action: Big, interactive environments like in Just Cause.
Heist theme: More strategic and varied than standard combat-focused games.
I think this would have been refreshing in today’s market. I don’t remember the last time I saw a true multiplayer heist game set in an entirely open world.
The Hardships in Staving Off Contraband
If Avalanche Studios continues development without Xbox, for example, they need to sell the title to a different publisher, which means:
Changes to some of the core features to fit the vision of a new publisher.
Adapting the marketing strategy for a broader roll-out.
Convincing investors that the game has a chance in today’s dense market.
Not impossible, though risky, midway through development.
Fan Reaction to Contraband’s Cancellation
Mixed emotions seem to be the order of the day. Some fans remain optimistic that the Avalanche will eventually find a new partner. Others see it as yet another instance of Microsoft overpromising on the front of exclusives.
Social media is abuzz with some speculation, with some players even going as far as conjecturing that a version was already in the works for the PS5 or PC prior to Microsoft’s funding cut.
What This Means for Xbox’s Exclusive Game Strategy
It raises a lot of questions regarding Microsoft’s commitment to unique and experimental titles. While risk-taking in strange or niche titles is common with Sony and Nintendo, Microsoft seems to be focusing on its established franchises more than anything.
In the meantime, this might prove a boon to business; however, it could result in a less diverse library down the road, which can have adverse effects on console sales.
If Contraband were to feature on the PS5 or PC, Xbox would once again lose one of its exclusives, and the high-stakes console market would be at an even greater disadvantage.
Will Contraband Come Back?
For now, Contraband is still in limbo. It could come back under a different name and with a different publisher, or it could remain just another unfinished idea.
Actually, it’s kind of funny that the entire premise of Contraband-involving gathering a crew, planning a dangerous heist, and pulling it off-now mirrors what Avalanche is doing in the real world to rescue their own game from cancellation.
I still hope it comes back. A true open-world co-op heist game is something the industry could use, and Avalanche already has the experience to make it happen. You may also be interested in: Resident Evil Zero and Code Veronica Remakes Rumored for 2027 and 2028
