Game Publisher EA Cancels Black Panther Project, Shuts Down Development Studio Cliffhanger Games
Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the cancellation of a video game based on the Marvel hero Black Panther, originally slated for development by independent studio Cliffhanger Games. The project, which was first unveiled two years ago, has now been abandoned.
According to IGN, EA Entertainment President Laura Miele confirmed the game's termination in an internal email. The move has resulted in Cliffhanger Games shutting down, with the extent of the employee impact still unclear, as EA is attempting to transition staff to other projects whenever possible. The cuts, as Miele noted, are part of an attempt to concentrate resources on the publisher's key growth opportunities.
In a statement, Miele expressed empathy for those affected, stating, "These decisions are difficult. They impact people we have worked with, learned from, and shared memorable moments with. We are doing everything we can to support them, including finding open positions within EA for those who wish to remain in the company."
In February 2024, EA CEO Andrew Wilson divulged the publisher's intention to "steer clear of the development of future licensed IP that we do not believe will thrive in our evolving industry." This directive does not appear to affect the two known Star Wars games: Bit Reactor's Zero Company, set for 2026 launch, and the third Jedi title in development at Respawn Entertainment.
Based on a 2024 job listing, the Black Panther game was intended to be a single-player, open-world title. It was the second of a three-part game collaboration between EA and Marvel; the first being an Iron Man game from Motive, the developers behind Dead Space, and a third game yet to be announced. At present, both these projects are believed to still be in development.
Marvel has yet to comment on the game's cancellation.
Additional Recap:Cliffhanger Games, founded in 2023, was comprised of veteran developers from Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. The cancellation of the Black Panther game underscores the increasing volatility in AAA game development, particularly with projects based on licensed properties. Despite this setback, EA continues to invest in other projects, such as the Iron Man game and Star Wars Jedi among others. The decision to shutter Cliffhanger Games is an example of EA's ongoing efforts to channel its focus towards "significant growth opportunities" within its well-established franchises.
- With EA focusing on key growth opportunities, it's possible that they might consider streaming Star Wars movies-and-tv content through their platform, given their ongoing investment in the Star Wars franchise.
- The cancellation of the Black Panther game could lead some fans to explore alternate means for their Marvel fix, such as AI-enhanced streaming services offering Marvel movies and series.
- Disney, owning both Marvel and Star Wars franchises, might also be contemplating venturing into the realm of AI technology to offer immersive, AI-generated content based on these popular universes, expanding their entertainment offerings beyond movies and TV.
