Alright, here's the scoop. Avalanche Studios, known for the Just Cause series, has shut down its Liverpool studio. I know, right? It's always a bummer to hear about studio closures, especially when it means talented people are affected.

This decision comes after Microsoft canned Contraband, an Xbox exclusive that Avalanche was working on. This co-op, open-world game set in a fictional 1970s Southeast Asia was revealed with a lot of fanfare back in 2021, and I remember thinking it sounded pretty cool. The concept seemed interesting, which makes the cancellation even more disappointing.

The studio had announced a "collective consultation process" a while back, and now it's official: the Liverpool studio is no more, with 31 employees laid off. It's rough, no doubt. In a message on their website, Avalanche expressed gratitude for the team's dedication and contributions, which is a decent thing to do under the circumstances, and said they would focus on supporting those affected and continuing to make great games.

Contraband's cancellation happened in August. This followed a series of cuts across Microsoft's studios, which is never a good sign. It's a tough industry, and while companies like Microsoft might emphasize their focus on AI and say they are thriving, these kinds of decisions always impact real people.

It's a shame to see a studio close its doors, and I hope everyone affected lands on their feet soon. I will be here, keeping you up to date on gaming world!