EA Cancels Black Panther Game Development

Electronic Arts (EA) has made the significant decision to cancel its highly anticipated Black Panther game, which was being developed by Cliffhanger Games. This move comes as part of a broader restructuring effort within the company, marking the third round of layoffs this year. EA has not disclosed the exact number of employees affected, but the cancellation is expected to lead to further job losses, following earlier cuts that impacted hundreds of staff across various studios.

EA Cancels Black Panther Game

In a recent communication to employees, Laura Miele, president of EA Entertainment, explained that the decision to shut down Cliffhanger Games and cancel the Black Panther project is aimed at refocusing the company’s creative efforts on its most promising growth opportunities. This strategic shift follows a series of layoffs earlier this year, including significant cuts at Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind the Star Wars Jedi franchise, and the cancellation of a Titanfall game.

While EA has not provided specific figures regarding the latest layoffs, reports indicate that the number of affected employees is less than the previous round, which saw between 300 and 400 positions eliminated. The company is reportedly making efforts to reassign some of the impacted staff to other roles within its various studios, similar to previous transitions that occurred after the downsizing of BioWare.

Miele acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions in her email, emphasizing the personal impact on employees. She reassured staff that EA is committed to supporting those affected, including helping them find new opportunities within the organization.

Cliffhanger Games Shut Down

Cliffhanger Games, the studio behind the Black Panther game, was established in 2023 and was based in Seattle. The studio was envisioned as a “triple-A development studio” and aimed to create a rich, immersive world for players to experience the role of Wakanda’s protector. The project was developed in collaboration with Marvel Games, and the studio had expressed excitement about bringing the vibrant world of Wakanda to life.

Kevin Stephens, who previously worked on Middle-Earth: Shadow of War, led Cliffhanger Games. He had articulated the studio’s ambition to create an expansive and reactive environment that would allow players to fully engage with the Black Panther narrative. The cancellation of this project represents a significant loss for fans eager to explore the superhero’s universe.

In addition to the Black Panther game, EA has faced challenges this year, including the cancellation of a Titanfall game and layoffs at BioWare following the mixed reception of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. These developments highlight the ongoing restructuring efforts within EA as it seeks to streamline operations and focus on its core franchises.

Future Focus for EA

Moving forward, EA plans to concentrate on its established franchises, including Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends. The company has confirmed that it will continue to develop the Iron Man game at Motive Studios and the next installment in the Star Wars Jedi series at Respawn. Additionally, BioWare remains committed to advancing the next chapter in the Mass Effect series.

This strategic pivot underscores EA’s intent to prioritize projects that align with its growth objectives while navigating the challenges posed by recent cancellations and layoffs. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, EA’s focus on its core franchises may position the company for future success amidst a competitive landscape.

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