In August, reports surfaced that Microsoft had suspended development SmugglingA co-op game about smugglers from the developer Just Cause Avalanche. At the time, some sources noted that Microsoft “suspend” production rather than a complete abolition. But Contraband's fate now appears to be sealed as mass layoffs at Avalanche have led to the closure of their Liverpool studio.
Avalanche announced the news on its official websiteand reported that this means that 31 developers will lose their jobs. Under UK employment law, Avalanche has initiated “collective consultation process” in September before embarking on layoffs and studio closures. However, the rest of the company remains untouched.
“The exceptional talent, passion and dedication of everyone leaving has impacted every project,” Avalanche said in a statement. “We are truly grateful for your dedication and invaluable contributions to Avalanche Studios Group. We remain focused on supporting [staff] to navigate this transition and continue to create great games for our player communities.”
Smuggling was originally announced during the Xbox E3 presentation in 2021. At the time, it was advertised as a AAA game set in the 1970s in the fictional country of Bayan. It wasn't the only long-term game that Microsoft shut down this year. Rare Everwild, Perfect darkness reboot and new MMO from ZeniMax Online Studios they were all victims of the purge 9,000 people, including Xbox employees.
A recent report suggests that Microsoft's attempts to find its footing may be due to sky-high profit targets This led to numerous waves of layoffs in the company.
