Contraband Trademarked by Microsoft

Avalanche Studios Group’s Contraband could be making an appearance at the upcoming Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase. Aggiornamenti Lumia on Twitter discovered a trademark for Contraband on USPTO with Microsoft applying for the same on June 2nd. While this doesn’t outright confirm an appearance, the timing is rather interesting.

Announced at E3 2021, Contraband is an open world co-op title which Avalanche described as its “most ambitious and spectacular” game to date. It takes place in 1970s Bayan and is developed on the Apex Engine, similar to the Just Cause series. Though a console exclusive for Xbox Series X/S, a PC release is also confirmed.

Not much is known about the gameplay, aside from rumors revealing an apparent focus on “tactical” vehicular combat (which makes sense given Avalanche’s experience with Mad Max). Allegedly slated for release this year, reports have noted a delay to 2023. Nevertheless, Microsoft could finally showcase its gameplay for the first time.

Stay tuned for more details on June 12th when the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase goes live at 10 AM PT.

New Microsoft Trademark: CONTRABAND https://t.co/Zh9Ir9KUpV pic.twitter.com/514C91Kc2Y

— Aggiornamenti Lumia (@ALumia_Italia) June 7, 2022