By “Considering the existing challenges…”
- by Ben Kerry
We have some unfortunate news to share with you this afternoon, everyone. Avalanche Studios, the creators behind Just Cause and the now-abandoned Xbox exclusive Contraband, is set to shut down its UK division shortly amid extensive layoffs within the organization.
The developer announced a brief note regarding this today, September 30th, as they get ready to initiate a consultation procedure concerning the closure in the UK. Avalanche’s planned job reductions will also impact their studios in Malmö and Stockholm located in Sweden.
Last month, Microsoft officially “halted” development on its Xbox game Contraband, which was initially revealed back in 2021. Just a month prior to the cessation of its development, we had noted information about a new position on the team responsible for the game’s live service strategies – but ultimately, the game and those plans for after-launch never came to fruition.
In closing, Avalanche reassured fans by stating that the studio “continues to be profoundly devoted to delivering exceptional games to our enthusiastic player communities” – it’s just regrettable that Xbox is no longer aiding in bringing one of those titles to reality in Contraband.
What are your thoughts on this recent game development loss? Share your feelings about this unfortunate news below.
[source avalanchestudios.com]
Ben is a News Writer at Pure Xbox and enjoys action, racing, and straight-up shooting in any Xbox game he can find. When he’s not gripping an Xbox controller as if his life depends on it, Ben spends his time listening to music that’s a bit too vintage for him, watching football on the television, and likely dining somewhere.