Fresh images tied to Contraband, the scrapped Xbox-published co-op caper from Avalanche Studios, have appeared online via a former UI developer’s portfolio. The shots, rounded up by MP1st, offer our clearest look yet at the game’s presentation layer before cancellation, including a four-player squad setup, a lobby/matchmaking flow, and progression ranks labeled Hustler, Bandit, Smuggler, and Baron.
One screen also name-checks a “Downtown” location, implying a city-hub map sat within the game’s mission structure.
Stylistically, the interface leans into the project’s 1970s heist vibe: bold typography, poster-like character cards, and a grainy UI framing that sells the contraband-runner fantasy without showing raw gameplay. Some character portraits originated from older Marvel fan-art placeholders in the portfolio, so they shouldn’t be treated as final art direction (though they may indicate how far along the visual identity actually was).
All of this arrives in the wake of Contraband’s shutdown earlier this year.
Bottom line: Even without gameplay footage, the UI tells a story. Contraband was gearing up as a co-op first operation, where identity, rank, and a shared lobby mattered as much as guns and cars. It looks like the bones of a stylish heist sandbox; the tragedy is we’re seeing them in menus instead of motion.
It’s interesting to see these screenshots from Contraband, especially since it was a highly anticipated project. The visuals give a glimpse into what could have been, showcasing Avalanche Studios’ creativity. It’s always intriguing to learn more about canceled games and their development process.
Absolutely! It’s fascinating how these screenshots give us a glimpse into what could have been. It’s a reminder of how much effort goes into game development, even for titles that don’t make it to release. I wonder how the game’s concept evolved during production.
really interesting to see the design choices they made for the UI. Those elements could have added a unique flavor to the game, especially given Avalanche’s track record with open-world environments. It’s a shame we won’t get to experience it fully.
I completely agree! The UI elements definitely seem to reflect a unique aesthetic that might have enhanced the co-op experience. It’s fascinating to think about how these design choices could have influenced gameplay dynamics and player interactions.