EA has officially terminated development of Cliffhanger Games' highly anticipated Black Panther title and closed the studio as part of its recent restructuring. The Black Panther video game project was first announced in 2023, though rumors had been circulating since EA Motive revealed its Iron Man game. Cliffhanger Games, a new studio established in Seattle under former Monolith Productions VP Kevin Stephens, was specifically created to develop this Marvel-inspired title.

Over the past two years, gaming communities have speculated extensively about this Black Panther video game and how it would differentiate from Skydance's upcoming Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra. While the latter focuses on World War 2-era Wakanda with Azzuri as Black Panther, Cliffhanger's version was reportedly set in contemporary times. Leaks suggested players could choose their own character to inherit the Black Panther mantle through branching storylines, with authentic African martial arts integrated into combat mechanics.

Unfortunately, EA has confirmed the discontinuation of Cliffhanger's Black Panther project. IGN reports that EA Entertainment president Laura Miele announced the cancellation in an internal email, citing strategic realignment. The closure of Cliffhanger Games accompanies additional layoffs, though fewer than the 300 positions eliminated at Respawn and EA Fan Care teams last month.

In her announcement, Miele explained these measures aim to "sharpen [EA's] focus and put [EA's] creative energy behind the most significant growth opportunities." She emphasized these decisions weren't made lightly and that EA is providing transition support for affected employees, including internal placement assistance.

EA's revised strategy prioritizes established franchises like Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends. However, Miele confirmed continued development for EA Motive's Iron Man game, Respawn's third Star Wars: Jedi installment, and BioWare's next Mass Effect. With Cliffhanger's closure, its Black Panther title joins Monolith's canceled Wonder Woman game as another shelved superhero project that fans will never experience.