Game developer EA has terminated Cliffhanger Games' Black Panther project and shut down the studio, citing a need to direct resources towards other endeavors.
Electronic Arts Clarifies Strategy, Cancels 'Black Panther' Game and Shuts Down Cliffhanger Studios
In a move to focus on core franchises and high-growth opportunities, Electronic Arts (EA) has shelved the development of Cliffhanger Games' "Black Panther" game and shuttered the studio.
EA's Entertainment President, Laura Miele, shared the decision with staff, stating that the action aimed to concentrate creative energy on significant growth areas within the company, as reported by IGN. The exact number of jobs affected by the closure has yet to be disclosed.
Moving forward, EA will invest its resources in a select group of established franchises. These include "Battlefield," "The Sims," "Skate," and "Apex Legends." The company will also continue supporting select licensed projects, such as Motive Studio's "Iron Man" and the third "Star Wars: Jedi" game, as well as "Mass Effect 5," while maintaining its mobile business.
EA's decision comes amidst industry volatility and competitive challenges. By streamlining development, the company aims to improve quality, reduce risk, and maximize the impact of each release. EA Sports remains unaffected by this strategic shift.
The canceled "Black Panther" project, announced in 2023, was being developed by a team previously responsible for the "Shadow of Mordor" series. The game, described as an "original, third-person, single-player Black Panther game," did not have platforms confirmed, and no trailer was released at the time.
Additional Insights
EA's strategy prioritizes established audiences and proven franchises, with a focus on lowering market failure risk and reducing exposure to less predictable ventures. The company has become more selective with licensed properties, committing resources only to those that demonstrate strong commercial potential.
The restructuring does not extend to EA Sports, which continues to focus on successful sports franchises. This strategic shift reflects the current challenges faced by the video game industry, where development costs and market saturation make it crucial to consolidate resources around proven winners.
This move marks a significant change in EA's approach, as the company hopes to strike a balance between risk and reward by focusing on its most promising opportunities for growth.
Gaming enthusiasts may have to wait longer for a Black Panther game, as the project, initially planned by Cliffhanger Studios, has been cancelled by Electronic Arts (EA). Instead, EA will be investing in established franchises such as gaming consoles, movies-and-tv entertainment like "Battlefield," "The Sims," "Skate," and "Apex Legends."
