Four years have passed since its initial reveal!
- by Ben Kerry
The countdown to the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 has officially begun, and anticipation is mounting as fans speculate on which titles will be featured. While we await the full lineup and predictions from our dedicated team here at Pure Xbox, one game in particular has been on our minds: Contraband. Will this long-lost project finally make its debut at next week’s event?
Originally announced during Microsoft’s 2021 showcase, Contraband is an upcoming title published by Xbox Game Studios, developed by Avalanche Studios’ Factual Aim team. Since its initial reveal, the game has remained largely shrouded in mystery, with only a brief teaser trailer released four years ago. No substantial updates or gameplay footage have surfaced since then, leaving fans and industry insiders alike wondering about its current status.
In 2024, we did catch wind of a few whispers regarding Contraband, but nothing concrete from either Xbox or Avalanche Studios. Last June, rumors circulated suggesting the game might have faced internal delays, prompting speculation about its development status. Reddit communities and gaming forums have since been abuzz with questions about whether Contraband is still in production or if it has been quietly shelved altogether. At this point, clarity remains elusive.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding its development, our hope persists that Contraband will reappear during next week’s showcase. The concept-an open-world action-adventure with a focus on high-stakes smuggling and exploration-continues to sound compelling, especially coming from the creators of the Just Cause series. Fans are eager to see if Avalanche Studios will finally lift the curtain on this mysterious project, offering a glimpse of what could be a major new franchise for Xbox.
With just over a week remaining until the event, all eyes are on Microsoft’s presentation. Will Contraband be among the surprises, or will it remain a tantalizing mystery for now? We’re certainly rooting for its comeback and are excited to see if it will make a surprise appearance next week.
Are you hoping Contraband will be revealed at the upcoming showcase? Share your thoughts on this elusive Xbox Game Studios project below.
Ben Kerry is a dedicated news writer at Pure Xbox, passionate about action, racing, and shooter titles across the Xbox ecosystem. When he’s not glued to his controller, he enjoys listening to vintage music, watching soccer matches on his TV, and occasionally unwinding with a drink. His enthusiasm for gaming fuels his coverage of the latest industry developments.
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