ENTERTAINMENT

Gaming Giant Pulls the Plug on Black Panther Project

Thu May 29 2025
The gaming industry saw a significant shakeup recently. A Black Panther game, which was eagerly anticipated by fans, has been canceled. The studio responsible for its development, Cliffhanger Games, has also been shut down. This move comes from Electronic Arts, a major player in the gaming world. The decision to close Cliffhanger Games was announced by Laura Miele, the president of EA Entertainment. She mentioned that the cuts were made to focus on projects with the most potential for growth. Kevin Stephens, the former head of Monolith Productions, started Cliffhanger Games. Monolith Productions is known for creating Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor. After a previous project, codenamed Legacy, was canceled by Warner Bros. Games, Stephens and other veterans from Monolith formed Cliffhanger Games. They had big plans for the Black Panther game. They wanted to create an immersive experience that allowed players to explore the world of Wakanda. The game was supposed to give players more control over the narrative than ever before. The cancellation of the Black Panther game is part of a larger trend at EA. The company has been making significant cuts across various studios. Respawn Entertainment and other areas within EA have also seen layoffs. This shift in focus is aimed at strengthening EA's core franchises, like The Sims and EA Sports FC. The company is also working on a major update for Apex Legends and has confirmed that Battlefield 6 will be released before the end of March 2026. Despite these cuts, EA is still committed to other high-profile projects, including an Iron Man game and the third installment in the Star Wars Jedi trilogy. The gaming industry is known for its ups and downs. Studios come and go, and projects are often canceled or delayed. This is a part of the business that fans often overlook. The cancellation of the Black Panther game is a reminder of the challenges faced by game developers. It also highlights the importance of supporting projects that resonate with a wide audience. Fans of Black Panther will have to wait and see if another studio picks up the mantle and brings their favorite hero to life in a new game.

questions

    How does EA's decision to cancel the Black Panther game align with their stated goal of focusing on significant growth opportunities?
    What specific factors led to the closure of Cliffhanger Games, and how might these factors impact future game development at EA?
    In what ways could the cancellation of the Black Panther game affect EA's reputation among fans and industry professionals?

actions