In August, stories emerged that Microsoft had paused improvement on Contraband, a co-op smuggler sport from Just Cause developer Avalanche. On the time, some sources famous that Microsoft put a “maintain” on manufacturing moderately than a full cancellation. However now, Contraband’s destiny seems to be sealed as mass layoffs at Avalanche have resulted within the closure of its Liverpool studio.
Avalanche introduced the information on its official site, and disclosed that it means 31 builders are shedding their jobs. Per United Kingdom labor legal guidelines, Avalanche initiated “a collective consultation process” in September earlier than transferring forward with the layoffs and shutting the studio. Nonetheless, the remainder of the corporate stays intact.
“The distinctive expertise, ardour, and dedication from everybody leaving have impacted each undertaking,” reads the message from Avalanche. “We’re really grateful for the dedication and invaluable contributions to Avalanche Studios Group. Our focus stays on supporting the [staff] by means of this transition and to hold on making nice video games for our participant communities.”
Contraband was initially introduced throughout an Xbox E3 presentation in 2021. On the time, it was touted as a AAA sport set within the Nineteen Seventies within the fictional nation of Bayan. It wasn’t the one long-term sport that was shuttered by Microsoft this 12 months. Uncommon’s Everwild, the Good Darkish reboot, and a brand new MMO from ZeniMax On-line Studios had been all casualties of a purge of 9,000 individuals, together with Xbox staff.
A current report urged that Microsoft’s struggles to search out its footing could also be as a result of sky-high revenue targets which have resulted in a number of waves of layoffs on the firm.