Tech and games giant Microsoft has stopped development on Avalanche Studios' Contraband. 

The new was first reported by Game File, before being confirmed by the developer itself. Contraband was announced back in 2021, but little has been heard about it since. Microsoft told the outlet that production was "on hold" after being in development for five years. 

This is part of a wave of layoffs, project cancellations and studio closures at Microsoft's Xbox business. 

“Over the past several years, Avalanche Studios Group and Xbox Game Studios Publishing have collaborated on Contraband,” the developer said. 

“Active development has now stopped while we evaluate the project’s future. We’re thankful for the excitement we’ve seen from the community since we announced and will give an update on what’s next as soon as we can.”

Avalanche closed its studios in New York and Montreal during 2024.