A test build of the cancelled game Contraband, which was in development by the studio behind Just Cause, has been discovered inside the files of a simulator, according to DTF.
The outlet reported the finding on Monday, August 10, 2026. The discovery was made within the files of an unspecified simulator, where the leftover build had apparently remained after the project was shelved.
Contraband was previously announced as a co-op smuggling game set in the fictional 1970s Bayan Islands. The project was being developed by Avalanche Studios, the team known for the Just Cause series, and was planned as an Xbox console exclusive. However, the game was officially cancelled in 2024, with Microsoft and the developer citing a shift in priorities for the title.
According to DTF, the presence of this test build in the simulator files suggests that some remnants of the development process survived the cancellation. The outlet did not provide details on which specific simulator contained the files or what condition the build is in.
The find is notable for fans of the studio and for those interested in unreleased game projects, as cancelled titles rarely surface in any playable form. It remains unclear whether the build is functional or if anyone has attempted to run it.
What to watch next: whether the discovery leads to further leaks of Contraband assets or footage, and if the studio or publisher responds to the find.
