Screenshots of the canceled Xbox exclusive Contraband have surfaced online. With the new look, we see what the multiplayer game could’ve looked like had it come out.
The game, created by Just Cause’s Avalanche Studios, was revealed in 2021 with a neat trailer. We never saw gameplay, as it was just a teaser, but it seems the game was doing fine behind the scenes. However, infrequent updates and notable absences from presentations hinted that development may not have been going well. In August, it was confirmed that active development had stopped to evaluate the game’s future. Furthermore, many were laid off due to the move, seemingly ending the game for good. Now, we have a clue as to what it would’ve looked like.
Contraband Would’ve Had Four-Player Multiplayer and Stylized Graphics, Screenshots Reveal
A portfolio of one of Contraband’s UI artists was found online. In it, new screenshots of the canceled game’s UI and design are shown. Furthermore, we see the vision that Avalanche was going for with the design.
The pictures, available here, show off a retro-like art style for the character models and typeface, reminiscent of the late 1900s. We also see how the game would’ve been done, with players joining sessions and teaming up in groups of four to tackle maps. One of the maps, Downtown, is seen in one of the photos and may show what it would’ve looked like in-game.
It’s important to note that, even if true, take it with a grain of salt. As mentioned before, no gameplay has been released, so this may be the best we’ll have for a while. Still, it’s cool to see what could’ve been for the multiplayer game. It hasn’t been outright canceled, though it likely has given the lack of updates, so perhaps things could work out. If so, we could have one of Xbox’s most unique titles in a while.
Thanks to MP1st for finding the images.
What do you think of Contraband’s screenshots? Do you like the art style? Want the game to come out? Let us know in the comments and on the official Insider Gaming Discord!
For more Xbox, check out our articles on Perfect Dark and Everwild’s screenshots. Make sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter!
