Electronic Arts (EA) has officially canceled its highly anticipated Black Panther game and is shutting down Cliffhanger Games, the studio responsible for its development. This move comes as part of a broader round of layoffs at EA, according to a report from IGN.
Cliffhanger Games and the Black Panther Project
Cliffhanger Games was established specifically to develop the third-person action-adventure Black Panther title, which was first announced in July 2023. The game was one of several Marvel projects in the works at EA studios, aiming to bring the iconic superhero to life in a new interactive experience.
Layoffs and Strategic Refocus
While the number of layoffs at Cliffhanger Games is reportedly smaller than previous cuts—such as those affecting Respawn, the studio behind Titanfall—EA is also eliminating roles in its mobile and central teams. The company has communicated to staff that these layoffs are intended to "sharpen our focus and put our creative energy behind the most significant growth opportunities." EA is reportedly working to find new roles within the company for some Cliffhanger Games employees, mirroring its approach during Bioware's recent restructuring.
EA's Future Projects
Despite the cancellation, EA continues to invest in several major franchises and projects. These include:
- An Iron Man game in development at EA Motive
- The next Star Wars Jedi installment from Respawn
- New entries in The Sims, Battlefield, Skate, and Apex Legends
- Ongoing work on EA Sports titles and the next Mass Effect game
However, uncertainty remains around some of these projects, particularly at Bioware, which has faced multiple rounds of layoffs since 2023.
Shift Away from Licensed IP
EA's decision to cancel the Black Panther game aligns with its recent strategy to move away from developing licensed intellectual properties that may not align with the company's evolving goals. In February 2024, CEO Andrew Wilson publicly stated that EA would be "moving away from development of future licensed IP that we do not believe will be successful in our changing industry." While EA recently announced a new Star Wars strategy game, Star Wars Zero Company, this appears to be an exception rather than a new direction.
Impact on Marvel Projects
The cancellation does not affect all Marvel projects at EA. For example, Amy Hennig's Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra remains in development. Still, the decision to abandon a game based on Black Panther—a character whose film grossed over $1.3 billion—raises questions about EA's confidence in licensed superhero games and their potential audiences.
Engadget has reached out to EA for comment and will update this story if more information becomes available.
