Just Cause, Contraband Developer is Cutting 50 Jobs, Closing Two Studios

Just Cause developer Avalanche Studios has joined the ever-growing list of companies in the games industry to be hit with layoffs. The company has announced with a statement on its website that it’s set to lay off about 9 percent of its total global workforce.

Specifically, Avalanche Studios – which has offices in Stockholm, Malmo, Liverpool, New York, and Montreal – is shutting down two of its studios- namely, the ones in New York and Montreal. That will also mean 50 employees across those two offices being laid off.

“This is an exceptionally difficult decision, but we believe it’s necessary to ensure a stable and sustainable future for the company,” Avalanche writes. “Our focus is now on supporting all Avalanchers through this challenging time. We’re grateful for the invaluable contributions of those leaving and remain committed to creating incredible gaming experiences for our players.”

Avalanche’s Montreal studio was opened as recently as October of last year. The company joins several others that have cut large numbers of jobs over the last year and a half, including the likes of PlayStation, Microsoft, Sega, Riot Games, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, and many others.

Avalanche Studios is currently working on open world co-op game Contraband in collaboration with Microsoft. Announced in 2021, the game is still without a release date, with reports claiming it has faced development issues behind the scenes.