Electronic Arts (EA) has abruptly canceled its highly anticipated Black Panther game and closed Cliffhanger Games, the studio behind its development. The decision comes just over a year after EA and Marvel announced a three-game partnership, with Black Panther being the first of the planned titles. Despite the cancellation, EA confirmed that its collaboration with Marvel remains intact for the remaining two games.

A Sudden Shutdown

According to sources, Cliffhanger Games employees were called into an all-hands meeting on Wednesday, where they were informed that Black Panther had been canceled—and that the studio would be shut down. The announcement came just 30 minutes after the initial meeting alert, leaving developers stunned.

The game, while in active development, reportedly wasn’t far enough along to meet EA’s expectations, despite recent progress. Cliffhanger Games, which was formed in 2021 under EA’s leadership, never got the chance to release a single title before its closure.

What’s Next for EA and Marvel?

EA’s multi-title deal with Marvel is still moving forward, with two other games in the works—including an Iron Man title from Motive Studio (known for Dead Space Remake and Star Wars: Squadrons) and a third, unannounced project.

The cancellation of Black Panther raises questions about EA’s approach to licensed games, especially after the mixed reception of titles like Marvel’s Avengers and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Fans had high hopes for Cliffhanger’s take on Wakanda’s hero, but for now, the project remains shelved.

EA has yet to comment on whether the Black Panther game could be revived under a different studio. For now, the future of the franchise in gaming remains uncertain.

What do you think of EA’s decision? Should another studio take over the Black Panther project? Let us know in the comments.