Rumor: Upcoming Xbox Console Exclusive Game Could Have 8-Player Co-Op

gamerant.com:

The upcoming Xbox console exclusive game Contraband could have support for 8-player co-op on Xbox Series X|S and PC, according to a new rumor from a reputable podcast. Contraband is currently being developed by Avalanche Studios as a new co-op game that takes players to a «smuggler's paradise» in the 1970s.

In June 2021, Xbox Game Studios announced its partnership with Avalanche Studios to develop Contraband as an Xbox exclusive and Xbox Game Pass day one title. The Contraband reveal trailer teased the game's vehicle-focused, open-world approach through various photographs, without delving into specific details about gameplay and the story. In recent years, reports from industry insiders revealed that Contraband will feature heists and smuggling runs with vehicular combat. A new rumor from the Xbox Infinite podcast appears to corroborate these reports as well, with new features and content still being developed at Avalanche Studios.

According to a recent episode of the Xbox Infinite podcast, co-host Middleagegameguy (MAGG) shared insight in what he reportedly saw from Contraband, claiming that the game will have 8-player co-op. Firstly, MAGG explains that the game is reminiscent ofthe Dukes of Hazzard TV show and Ubisoft's Driver series, since one of Contraband's prominent features involves vehicular combat. Contraband will feature other gameplay sequences and content outside of driving, but MAGG didn't elaborate on what these elements and the co-op functionality would entail. The 8-player co-op feature is progressing from alpha to beta, so development is still early in this regard. For example, MAGG explains that in-game models for drivers were not complete in the development footage he saw.

The co-host notes that he doesn't know a release date or release window for Contraband, so fans will need to wait for a major update from Xbox at one of its upcoming showcases. Moreover, an anonymous developer who's friends with MAGG encourages him to hype up the game while Xbox