EA cancels Black Panther game and closes Cliffhanger Games, leaving staff facing uncertain futures

Electronic Arts (EA) has abruptly cancelled its much-anticipated Black Panther game and shut down the studio behind it, Cliffhanger Games. This shocking decision comes less than two years after Cliffhanger was launched, with its debut project centred on the iconic Marvel superhero.

Cliffhanger Games, founded in July 2023, had stirred excitement when it revealed its flagship title based on the Black Panther franchise. However, EA Entertainment president Laura Miele confirmed the closure in a letter to staff on 28 May 2025, revealing the company is “sharpening [its] focus” and directing “creative energy behind the most significant growth opportunities.”

Despite the blow to the studio, EA has remained tight-lipped about the exact number of job losses. Industry insiders, including IGN, report that redundancies have hit not only Cliffhanger but also EA’s central and mobile teams, compounding the company’s recent wave of job cuts.

“These decisions are hard,” Miele acknowledged, addressing the emotional toll on employees. “They affect people we’ve worked with, learned from, and shared real moments with. We’re doing everything we can to support them—including finding opportunities within EA.”

The move marks a clear shift in EA’s strategic priorities. Miele’s communication suggests the gaming giant is narrowing its focus to a handful of proven franchises such as Apex Legends, Battlefield, Skate, and The Sims. At the same time, she reassured staff of ongoing commitment to high-profile projects like BioWare’s upcoming Mass Effect, Motive’s Iron Man game, and EA’s Star Wars: Jedi sequel, along with their mobile game portfolio.

This is not EA’s first round of cuts this year. Less than a month ago, the company announced 300 job losses, primarily affecting developers at Respawn Entertainment—the studio behind Apex Legends—and the EA Experiences team. The continued redundancies and studio closures paint a grim picture of upheaval within one of gaming’s biggest publishers.

For fans and developers alike, the cancellation of the Black Panther game is a major disappointment. The title promised to bring one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes to life in a new interactive form. Cliffhanger’s closure abruptly ends this ambitious project before it could reach gamers.

The decision reflects broader trends in the gaming industry, where publishers increasingly consolidate resources behind their biggest, most lucrative franchises. EA appears to be doubling down on established hits rather than investing in new IP or riskier ventures.

As the dust settles, the future remains uncertain for many former Cliffhanger employees. While EA pledges support and redeployment where possible, the gaming community watches on, reflecting on the harsh realities of an industry where even high-profile projects can vanish overnight.