"In August, reports emerged that Microsoft had paused development on Contraband, a co-op smuggler game from Just Cause developer Avalanche. At the time, some sources noted that Microsoft put a "hold" on production rather than a full cancellation. But now, Contraband's fate appears to be sealed as mass layoffs at Avalanche have resulted in the closure of its Liverpool studio."
"Avalanche announced the news on its official site, and disclosed that it means 31 developers are losing their jobs. Per United Kingdom labor laws, Avalanche initiated " a collective consultation process" in September before moving ahead with the layoffs and closing the studio. However, the rest of the company remains intact. "The exceptional talent, passion, and commitment from everyone leaving have impacted every project," reads the message from Avalanche. "We are truly grateful for the dedication and invaluable contributions to Avalanche Studios Group. Our focus remains on supporting the [staff] through this transition and to carry on making great games for our player communities.""
Microsoft paused development on Contraband in August, initially placing production on hold rather than cancelling. Mass layoffs at Avalanche resulted in the closure of the Liverpool studio and 31 job losses. Avalanche conducted a collective consultation process in September under United Kingdom labor laws before proceeding with the layoffs. The remainder of Avalanche Studios Group continues to operate. Contraband was announced at Xbox E3 2021 as a AAA game set in the 1970s in the fictional country of Bayan. Multiple long-term Microsoft-backed projects were cancelled this year amid large-scale workforce reductions and profit-driven restructuring.
Read at GameSpot
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]