“A kingdom as rich as Wakanda deserved its own spotlight. Instead, it fades into the shadows of corporate priorities.”
Electronic Arts (EA) has officially pulled the plug on its in-progress Black Panther video game that surprised many fans and industry insiders. Along with that decision, EA also shut down Cliffhanger Games, the studio formed specifically to bring the Wakandan hero’s story to life. This is part of a wider restructuring effort by EA in what has been a turbulent year for the gaming industry.
A Promising Vision of Wakanda, Now Cancelled
Back in 2023, Cliffhanger Games made headlines when it was unveiled as a brand-new studio with a bold mission: to create a rich, story-driven Black Panther game. Led by Kevin Stephens, best known for his work on Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, the project was envisioned as an open-world adventure deeply rooted in Wakandan culture and the legacy of T’Challa.
Fans were eager. The concept of exploring the high tech yet culturally vibrant kingdom of Wakanda, not just as a superhero, but as a ruler balancing power and heritage, held enormous promise.
But the journey ended before it truly began.
Why EA Decided to Step Back
The cancellation stems from a larger restructuring plan at EA. In a memo to staff, EA Entertainment President Laura Miele explained the company’s new direction: focusing heavily on core franchises with proven success—such as The Sims, Battlefield, and Apex Legends. This shift, aimed at maximizing long-term growth, has led to a series of layoffs, cancellations, and realignments across EA throughout 2025.
Still in the early stages of development and without a playable prototype, Black Panther didn’t make the cut.
Cliffhanger Games: A Studio That Never Got Its Chance
Studio had barely begun to build momentum before the rug was pulled out. The Seattle-based studio had assembled a team of experienced talent from around the industry, many of whom were excited to work on a meaningful Marvel project.
But without a finished product—or even a solid gameplay showcase. it became a casualty of EA’s pivot. Sadly, Cliffhanger now joins a growing list of short-lived studios that didn’t survive the volatile nature of modern game publishing.
Marvel’s Game Universe Still Has Life
While the standalone Black Panther title is off the table, Marvel’s presence in gaming isn’t going anywhere. EA’s Motive Studio is still hard at work on its Iron Man game, which remains a major priority. Meanwhile, Skydance New Media is moving ahead with Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, an action-adventure game that features both Captain America and Black Panther during World War II. That game is currently slated for a 2026 release.
So while fans won’t get to see Wakanda through Cliffhanger’s lens, the Black Panther will continue to appear in other digital adventures.
What Could Have Been
There’s no denying the disappointment. A solo Black Panther game held the potential to be groundbreaking not just in gameplay, but in its cultural representation, emotional depth, and immersive storytelling. In a world full of superhero games, this one could have stood apart.
But in today’s industry, even exciting ideas can be sidelined if they don’t align with business forecasts. It’s a painful reminder that behind every game are creative people—and sometimes, dreams that never get realized.
Key Highlights
- EA has shut down its single-player Black Panther video game.
- Cliffhanger Games, the studio working on the title, is now closed.
- EA is shifting focus toward its more established, long-term franchises.
- Other Marvel projects, like Iron Man, are still moving forward.
FAQ
What happened to the Black Panther video game?
EA cancelled the game that was in early development.
Why was the game cancelled?
EA is restructuring and focusing on proven franchises like The Sims, Battlefield, and Apex Legends.
What happened to the studio making the game?
Cliffhanger Games, the studio behind the project, has been shut down.
Are there other Marvel games still being developed?
Yes, EA is still working on an Iron Man game, and Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is also in development.
