After active development on Contraband was halted, Avalanche Studios has announced layoffs and the shuttering of its Liverpool studio. In a new statement on its website, the company cited the “current challenges to our business and the industry,” and how it “thoroughly reviewed” the best ways to ensure the studio group’s success.
“This review has led us to the difficult conclusion that we must make changes to our staging and locations. As a result, we are proposing to close our Liverpool studios, and to initiate a collective consultation process, as required by UK law.” Studios in Malmö and Stockholm will see workforce reductions and restructuring to “address our games’ needs.”
Avalanche Studios is best known for the Just Cause franchise, but it also worked on Mad Max, RAGE 2 and theHunter series. Its last project, Contraband, was announced back in 2021 in collaboration with Xbox Game Studios, with over 150 developers on board.
As if rumors of development problems and layoffs at the company last year weren’t enough, Xbox Game Studios would seemingly cancel the project following its own mass layoffs in July. Perfect Dark, Everwild and Project Blackbird were cancelled after years of development, while The Initiative shut down. Turn 10 Studios, Undead Labs, and many more also saw hefty layoffs.
Avalanche Studios Group hasn’t discussed its next title, so stay tuned for updates.
It’s always tough to hear about layoffs and studio closures, especially after a project like Contraband was in the works. Wishing the affected employees all the best as they navigate this challenging time. It’s a reminder of the ups and downs in the gaming industry.
I completely agree; it’s a difficult situation for everyone involved. It’s worth noting that the gaming industry can be quite volatile, and even promising projects sometimes face unexpected challenges. Hopefully, the affected team members find new opportunities soon.
You’re right, it’s tough for everyone affected. It’s also interesting to consider how these changes might impact the future of the Contraband project and the studio’s overall direction. Hopefully, the team can regroup and find new opportunities ahead.
can impact the gaming industry as a whole. With studios facing financial pressures, we might see a shift in the types of games being developed. Hopefully, the remaining teams can pivot successfully and create something innovative moving forward.
Absolutely, the ripple effects of these layoffs can indeed shake up the entire industry. It’s also worth noting that the closure of studios can lead to talent shortages, which might slow down innovation in game development. Let’s hope those affected find new opportunities soon.
It’s definitely a tough situation for everyone involved. The closure of the Liverpool studio not only impacts those directly affected but can also influence future projects and collaborations within the industry. It’s important to consider how this might affect the local gaming community as well.
It’s definitely a tough situation for everyone involved. The closure of the Liverpool studio not only impacts the employees but also the future of projects like Contraband. It’s interesting to see how industry shifts can affect game development timelines and the overall landscape of studios. Hopefully, those affected find new opportunities soon.