Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the cancellation of its highly anticipated Black Panther video game and the closure of Cliffhanger Games studio on 28 May 2025. The decision, revealed through an internal announcement, includes plans for additional staff reductions across the company’s broader teams amidst ongoing industry changes.
The announcement came via an email from EA Entertainment and Technology president Laura Miele, who explained the strategic shift was necessary to “sharpen our focus and put our creative energy behind the most significant growth opportunities.” The publisher will now concentrate on established franchises like Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends, whilst maintaining development of other licensed properties including Iron Man and Star Wars: Jedi.
Cliffhanger Games, established less than two years ago specifically for the Black Panther project, will cease operations entirely. The studio’s closure follows recent layoffs of 300-400 EA employees and the cancellation of two other “incubation projects” in the previous month, highlighting growing instability within the gaming industry.
The Black Panther game, announced in 2023 as part of EA’s Marvel licensing agreement, aimed to deliver what was described as a “definitive and authentic Black Panther experience.” Under the leadership of Kevin Stephens, formerly of Monolith Productions, the project brought together veteran developers from acclaimed series including God of War, Call of Duty, and Halo.
These latest developments at EA reflect broader industry challenges, particularly following significant staff reductions at BioWare and disappointing projections for Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The company’s restructuring aligns with an industry-wide trend of consolidation and strategic realignment in response to economic pressures.
EA has committed to supporting affected employees by seeking internal placement opportunities. However, the studio’s closure represents a significant setback for the development team, many of whom relocated specifically for this project. The cancellation also raises questions about the future of licensed game development in an increasingly risk-averse industry environment.
The publisher’s renewed focus on established franchises suggests a strategic pivot towards safer investments in proven properties. While EA continues development on select licensed titles, including Iron Man and the next Mass Effect instalment, the cancellation of the Black Panther project indicates a more cautious approach to new ventures.
For the gaming industry, these developments signify ongoing challenges in balancing creative ambition with financial stability. The closure of Cliffhanger Games adds to a growing pattern of studio shutdowns and project cancellations, highlighting the volatile nature of modern game development and publishing.
News Source: https://80.lv/articles/ea-cancels-black-panther-game-shuts-down-its-developer-cliffhanger
