An unconfirmed test world build for Contraband, the first-party Xbox exclusive cancelled by Microsoft over a year ago, has turned up hidden inside Call of the Wild: The Angler. The discovery offers an unexpected look at the open-world co-op smuggling project previously developed by Avalanche Studios.
Quick Facts
- Game Discovered: Contraband (cancelled first-party Xbox title)
- Where it was found: Hidden inside a Steam Beta build of Call of the Wild: The Angler
- Source of Discovery: A video report by YouTuber Luke JC
- Build Date: February 18, 2022
What Was Found in the Leaked Build
According to footage shared via YouTube, accessing the hidden files reveals an entire test world map for Contraband dated February 18, 2022. The internal files include early block outs, environment concepts, a massive array of props, and various distinct locations such as a floating level, a sunken temple, a grand palace, markets, NPC-filled towns, and mission areas.
Certain sections of the hidden map show surprising detail for a build predating the game's cancellation, featuring furnished bathrooms, neon lighting, and fully modeled character assets, weapons, and vehicles. Some of the old-timey cars included in the test environment are even completely drivable.
Context on Contraband's Cancellation
Microsoft officially halted development on Contraband in August 2025, a project originally announced in 2021. Following the cancellation, Avalanche Studios closed its UK studio the following month. While leaked screenshots showing early user interfaces surfaced shortly after the cancellation in late 2025, this newly discovered test world in Call of the Wild: The Angler represents the most extensive look yet at the early work completed on the project before development shut down permanently.