A test world map for Contraband, the canceled Xbox and Avalanche Studios game, has reportedly been leaked through Call Of The Wild: The Angler, one of the developer’s other titles.
A publicly accessible Steam beta build of Avalanche Studios and Expansive Worlds’ open-world fishing game, Call of the Wild: The Angler, appears to have inadvertently leaked a part of the studio’s canceled title, Contraband. According to content creator Luke JC, the game’s earliest build contains “the entire test world for Contraband.” It’s not believed to be the game’s main map, but it contains early blockouts, vehicles, environmental concepts, props and numerous test areas. The build is dated February 18, 2022, more than four years before Contraband was canceled.
The aforementioned map features locations such as a temple-like Ground Strike area, a floating settlement, a town filled with residential buildings and markets, several caves, warehouses and multiple mission locations. Some areas contain surprisingly detailed assets, including bars with neon signs, beer dispensers, bathrooms and underground rooms.
The Contraband test build also contains several cars, boats, a helicopter, a motorcycle and other vehicles that generally resemble Soviet, Italian and Japanese imports alongside American and French vehicles. Some can be driven, while others are unfinished or result in a game crash. These vehicles feature detachable parts, suggesting the game featured a destruction system.
Earlier insider reports described smuggling runs and use of vehicles as major gameplay mechanics in Contraband, with players transporting cargo while opposing forces attempted to stop them using roadblocks and combat vehicles of their own. Weapons were allegedly intended as a last resort because damaging the cargo would jeopardize the mission. The leaked test world contains several elements that appear consistent with those reports, including cargo-handling areas, chase vehicles, destruction, and checkpoints.
One section, labeled “Proto multiplayer obstacles,” contains interactive windows, explosives, locked gates, checkpoints, security cameras, electric fences, barriers and other obstacles. Security cameras can detect the player and trigger a warning that guards are coming, while a control box can disable the security system.
A room next to the town area has hero art for the game, depicting a car chasing a truck and stealing cargo, along with a small float-equipped plane, motorcycles and the distinctive temple architecture seen throughout the test map. The artwork also shows a roof-mounted weapon on the vehicle, suggesting that the canceled game may have featured vehicle customization.
