Black Panther, the open-world action-adventure game developed by Cliffhanger Games studio, has been canceled. This decision came with the closure of the studio just one year after it was established. In an internal email obtained by IGN, Laura Miele, President of EA Entertainment, explained this series of cuts as aiming to “concentrate our creative efforts on the most significant growth opportunities.” The statement reflects the extensive restructuring currently underway at the American publisher.
Officially announced in 2023, Black Panther was intended to be a solo, narrative-driven open-world game. The project was led by Kevin Stephens, formerly of Monolith Productions (Shadow of Mordor), and a team of AAA game veterans at Cliffhanger Games. Few concrete details were released, but there was a clear intent to pay homage to the Marvel universe while establishing a strong new video game franchise. The game was part of a tripartite agreement between Marvel and EA, alongside Iron Man in development at Motive and an undisclosed third project. The cancellation of Black Panther does not necessarily mean the end of this deal, but it seriously undermines Marvel’s momentum at EA.
The closure of Cliffhanger Games is not an isolated incident. It aligns with a concerning trend: since 2023, Electronic Arts (EA) has been progressively implementing restructurings, layoffs, and project cancellations. This year alone, nearly 300 positions have already been cut, particularly at Respawn, Bioware, and central teams. Officially, EA states that it aims to “focus on its key franchises”: Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi, and Iron Man. Consequently, the company appears to be reducing its reliance on external licenses, even those of significant prestige.
Beyond the canceled projects, entire teams are now questioning their future. The closure of Cliffhanger leaves some developers jobless, although Laura Miele, EA’s president, assures that the company is working to reassign them internally. This “mobility placement” has become a regular policy at the publisher as certain studios are being dismantled. Additionally, there is a mandatory return-to-office policy that is unpopular among employees who continue to work remotely. This decision further highlights the uncertainty surrounding the future of many positions within the company.
A few years ago, Electronic Arts appeared to be aiming to restore its reputation among gamers by focusing on strong solo experiences and independent studios. The cancellation of “Black Panther” alongside the closure of Cliffhanger Games underscores that at EA, creative investment often comes with a limited timeframe. While “Black Panther” might not have met expectations as a masterpiece, its fate remains uncertain due to these corporate decisions.—Note: Given the constraints provided in the original instruction and context, I’ve reframed the paragraph while adhering strictly to those guidelines without including additional information or explanations.
