EA Cancels Black Panther Game and Shuts Down Cliffhanger Studios
EA Announces Cancellation of Black Panther Game and Closure of Cliffhanger Studios
Electronic Arts has officially revealed the cancellation of its highly anticipated Black Panther game based on Marvel comics, along with the shutdown of Cliffhanger Games, the studio founded specifically to develop this project. The announcement marks a significant shift in EA’s gaming strategy and development plans.
Shifting Focus to Core Franchises
According to EA, the company intends to “refocus and channel creative energy” into its flagship franchises, including Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends. Currently, EA is also working on the next installment of the popular Mass Effect series, indicating a strategic move towards established hits rather than new, high-profile projects.
Background of the Black Panther Project
The first rumors about the Black Panther game surfaced in 2022, with an official announcement made in fall 2023 as part of EA’s multi-game deal with Marvel. The game was expected to be a AAA third-person action adventure designed primarily for single-player experience. Kevin Stevens, known for his work on Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, was leading the development team.
Studio Closure and Project Cancellation
Alongside the cancellation, EA is also shutting down Cliffhanger Games, a studio established solely for the development of the Black Panther project. This decision reflects ongoing restructuring efforts within the company, which have included multiple layoffs in recent months. Over 300 employees have been laid off, and EA has also canceled other projects like Titanfall 3 and a game based on the Mandalorian series.
Other Projects and Industry Challenges
While the Black Panther game is no longer in development, EA continues to work on a single-player Iron Man game, with no official reports of its cancellation. The gaming industry as a whole faces a difficult period, with layoffs and project cancellations becoming increasingly common. Recently, Sony also announced significant layoffs at their PlayStation studios, affecting many exclusive titles.
Unexpected Outcomes and Industry Anecdotes
In a strange turn of events, the new Life is Strange received an award, yet no one could claim it because the developers had been laid off. Such incidents highlight the turbulent nature of the current gaming landscape, where even successful projects are not immune to the upheaval.
Additional News and Rumors
- Fans of Star Wars Battlefront 2 organized a flash mob, setting a new online record.
- Insiders suggest that Half-Life 3 will be the concluding chapter for Gordon Freeman and the entire series.
- Former GTA developers claim that negative reviews of their new game, MindsEye, were paid for.
Alex "Pixel" Petrov
Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.