After nearly four years of radio silence, Avalanche Studios' mysterious Xbox exclusive Contraband has finally received confirmation that development continues. The game, first announced during Xbox's E3 2021 presentation, had led many to speculate about possible cancellation due to the complete lack of updates since its initial reveal.

A recent job posting from Avalanche Studios has put those cancellation rumors to rest. The studio is currently seeking a Senior DevOps Engineer specifically for the Contraband team, with responsibilities including streamlining development pipelines and enhancing CI/CD processes. This official confirmation suggests the project remains active, though likely facing more complex development challenges than initially anticipated.

Latest Game Information

Described as a "co-op smuggler's paradise," Contraband promises an open-world experience set in the fictional 1970s South American-inspired nation of Bayan. The game is positioned as Avalanche's most ambitious project to date, with reports suggesting vehicular combat will play a central role in the gameplay experience.

With Microsoft's Xbox Games Showcase scheduled for June 8, speculation has grown about a potential Contraband reappearance. However, recent leaks about the showcase haven't mentioned the game, instead focusing on titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Gears of War Collection.

Development Timeline

While the job listing confirms Contraband hasn't been canceled, it provides no indication of when fans might see new gameplay or get a release window. The extended development period could reflect the game's ambitious scope or potential development challenges behind the scenes.

For now, Xbox fans can take comfort knowing this intriguing exclusive remains in active development, with the upcoming showcase offering potential for long-awaited new details about Avalanche's mysterious project.