Contraband is still in development: Avalanche Studios is looking for reinforcements after Xbox layoffs

A new job listing confirms the project is still alive after rumors of cancellation.

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Despite the secrecy surrounding the status of Contraband, it seems that the cooperative open-world game is moving forward. Following the recent layoffs at Xbox and the cancellation of projects like Perfect Dark or Everwild, many feared for the future of the title developed by Avalanche Studios. However, a new job posting on LinkedIn suggests otherwise.

Avalanche has recently reposted a vacancy for the position of Product Lead, Live, a key role in the game’s content and monetization strategy. This action has taken place just a week after the Xbox layoffs, indicating that Contraband is not in danger, at least for now.

Avalanche Strengthens the Contraband Team After Xbox Layoffs

The job posting is looking for a profile specialized in live services, who will be in charge of acquiring, retaining, and monetizing players, as well as leading the game’s live strategy and coordinating with marketing and analytics teams.

“Your primary goal will be to prioritize the development roadmap and ensure that all launches meet their targets.”

Contraband was first announced in 2021 as a new IP published by Xbox Game Studios. Since then, no further details have been released, and a few days ago, the trailer was removed from the official Xbox YouTube channel, fueling even more cancellation rumors.

The posting of this job offer after the staff reduction appears to be deliberate and has been interpreted as a sign that development is continuing, at least in its current plans. The title is described as a long-term cooperative multiplayer experience, which reinforces its focus as a service game.

While we wait for official news, this hiring gives a breath of fresh air to the project’s followers, confirming that Contraband has not been one of the casualties of Xbox’s internal restructuring.