The Black Panther video game, which has been in development since 2023, featuring “an experienced team with diverse voices and perspectives,” has been canceled as Electronic Arts (EA) is shutting down the gaming studio behind the game, Cliffhanger Games.
IGN has confirmation and says the news follows layoffs at EA involving more than 300 people as of late.
Why was the Black Panther video game canceled?
EA Entertainment president Laura Miele addressed staff in an email explaining that the recent wave of cancellations and layoffs is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and concentrate on key areas of growth.
“These decisions are hard,” Miele wrote. “They affect people we’ve worked with, learned from, and shared real moments with. We’re doing everything we can to support them — including finding opportunities within EA, where we’ve had success helping people land in new roles.”
She added that the goal is to “sharpen our focus and put our creative energy behind the most significant growth opportunities.”
Focusing on proven, successful IPs
In her email, Miele said EA will narrow its focus to a select group of core franchises: Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends. She also confirmed continued investment in Motive’s Iron Man game and the third Star Wars Jedi title. Despite the cuts, EA will maintain its mobile business, while BioWare continues development on the next Mass Effect.
Miele’s message follows an earlier statement from CEO Andrew Wilson, who said the company would be “moving away from development of future licensed IP that we do not believe will be successful in our changing industry.”
Controversy and delays surround Black Panther
The Black Panther video game also recently came under fire when it was learned a developer on the game previously didn’t hire white people “to create a safe environment.”
The Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra video game featuring Black Panther from Skydance Games was also recently delayed to 2026.
What’s next for Black Panther?
The Eyes of Wakanda animated series premieres this August on Disney+ with four episodes.
Back from Wakanda Forever, Letitia Wright as Shuri, Tenoch Huerta Mejia as Namor, and Winston Duke as M’Baku are confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday.
Ryan Coogler is currently developing Black Panther 3, which will be released after Secret Wars. Denzel Washington is confirmed to have a role.
