The Uncertain Future of Just Cause
Seven years have passed since Avalanche Studios last graced the gaming world with a new installment in the Just Cause series, a franchise that played a pivotal role in establishing the studio’s reputation. The absence of a fifth title since 2018 has left fans yearning for more, but recent comments from the series’ creator, Cristofer Sundberg, suggest that the wait may be prolonged indefinitely.
In a candid post on X, Sundberg shared insights regarding the cancellation of Avalanche’s ambitious project, Contraband. He indicated that the likelihood of a new Just Cause game materializing is slim, primarily due to the departure of many key creatives who were instrumental in shaping the series. Reflecting on the challenges faced during the development of Just Cause 4, Sundberg expressed regret over his shift from creative leadership to a more corporate role, which he believes contributed to the game’s struggles. He noted, “the problems with JC4 were partly me (unwillingly) moving away from creative leadership to more corporate crap, publisher problems, team composition and roles and more. Sad, because looking at JC4 now, it shows SO much promise.”
Avalanche Studios has encountered a series of challenges in recent years, some of which stem from external factors beyond their control. The unveiling of Contraband in 2021, a collaboration with Xbox set in a 1970s smuggling backdrop, was met with enthusiasm. However, the project was abruptly halted following significant layoffs at Microsoft in August. Shortly thereafter, Avalanche closed its Liverpool studio and implemented layoffs across its Malmo and Stockholm offices.
While the studio’s recent track record has been mixed, it is worth noting that Just Cause 4, despite its initial lukewarm reception, saw improvements through subsequent updates. Critics like Robert Zak found redeeming qualities in the game, while the cooperative survival title Generation Zero, despite a modest launch score of 67 from Andy Kelly, has also managed to gain traction in the market since its release in 2019.
Meanwhile, Sundberg’s new venture, Liquid Swords, has not been without its own hurdles. The studio has yet to unveil its first game, which it describes as a “narrative-driven, open-world, hardboiled AAA revenge story.” Earlier this year, Liquid Swords laid off an unspecified number of staff, citing “shifting market conditions.” Nevertheless, development continues, with the studio recently sharing a glimpse of its open-world environment on its official X account.
Just Cause 5 would be a ‘no go’ according to the series’ creator, as ‘extremely few from the original team’ remain at Avalanche Studios
The Uncertain Future of Just Cause
Seven years have passed since Avalanche Studios last graced the gaming world with a new installment in the Just Cause series, a franchise that played a pivotal role in establishing the studio’s reputation. The absence of a fifth title since 2018 has left fans yearning for more, but recent comments from the series’ creator, Cristofer Sundberg, suggest that the wait may be prolonged indefinitely.
In a candid post on X, Sundberg shared insights regarding the cancellation of Avalanche’s ambitious project, Contraband. He indicated that the likelihood of a new Just Cause game materializing is slim, primarily due to the departure of many key creatives who were instrumental in shaping the series. Reflecting on the challenges faced during the development of Just Cause 4, Sundberg expressed regret over his shift from creative leadership to a more corporate role, which he believes contributed to the game’s struggles. He noted, “the problems with JC4 were partly me (unwillingly) moving away from creative leadership to more corporate crap, publisher problems, team composition and roles and more. Sad, because looking at JC4 now, it shows SO much promise.”
Avalanche Studios has encountered a series of challenges in recent years, some of which stem from external factors beyond their control. The unveiling of Contraband in 2021, a collaboration with Xbox set in a 1970s smuggling backdrop, was met with enthusiasm. However, the project was abruptly halted following significant layoffs at Microsoft in August. Shortly thereafter, Avalanche closed its Liverpool studio and implemented layoffs across its Malmo and Stockholm offices.
While the studio’s recent track record has been mixed, it is worth noting that Just Cause 4, despite its initial lukewarm reception, saw improvements through subsequent updates. Critics like Robert Zak found redeeming qualities in the game, while the cooperative survival title Generation Zero, despite a modest launch score of 67 from Andy Kelly, has also managed to gain traction in the market since its release in 2019.
Meanwhile, Sundberg’s new venture, Liquid Swords, has not been without its own hurdles. The studio has yet to unveil its first game, which it describes as a “narrative-driven, open-world, hardboiled AAA revenge story.” Earlier this year, Liquid Swords laid off an unspecified number of staff, citing “shifting market conditions.” Nevertheless, development continues, with the studio recently sharing a glimpse of its open-world environment on its official X account.