Electronic Arts’ abrupt decision to cancel its Black Panther video game has reportedly caught Cliffhanger Games employees off guard. According to a new exposé by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, developers at the Seattle-based studio believed the project was on solid ground—right up until it was canceled.
A Promising Start, a Shocking End
Cliffhanger Games was established in July 2023, with the Black Panther title as its flagship project. The studio was positioned to lead development on what was expected to be a major Marvel release, promising a story-driven, action-packed experience set in Wakanda.
However, less than two years later, EA shuttered the studio and canceled its only game. In a leaked internal email, EA Entertainment president Laura Miele stated that the decision was part of a broader effort to “refocus the company’s resources on the most significant growth opportunities.”
Why Cliffhanger Staff Felt Blindsided
The cancellation reportedly shocked Cliffhanger employees for several reasons. Most notably, the studio was still hiring for multiple roles just before the closure—an indicator that development was continuing to ramp up. Additionally, EA executives had recently conducted a project review—a critical checkpoint in the company’s development cycle—and gave the green light to move forward. Internally, this review was seen as a “gate” approval, making the sudden cancellation all the more baffling.
Sources told Bloomberg that there was no clear warning before the shutdown. Morale had been steady, hiring was active, and leadership signals gave no indication of impending cancellation. The sudden reversal left developers disillusioned, especially those who had joined recently or relocated to work on the project.
Industry Fallout and Future Concerns
The move has not only disappointed fans anticipating a standalone Black Panther title, but it has also reignited industry concerns about volatility in AAA development—particularly when it involves licensed properties. EA’s decision is seen by some as part of a broader shift toward fewer, safer bets in an uncertain gaming economy.
While another Marvel project, Iron Man, is still underway at EA’s Motive Studio, the abrupt end of Cliffhanger Games casts a shadow over future collaborations between EA and Marvel.
The Black Panther game’s cancellation serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability in game development—even for high-profile, licensed projects. For Cliffhanger Games and its now-unemployed staff, the decision marks the end of a short-lived but passionate effort to bring Wakanda to gamers worldwide.