EA Pulls the Plug on Black Panther Game

In a shocking turn of events, Electronic Arts (EA) has officially canceled its highly anticipated Black Panther game and has shut down the developer behind it, Cliffhanger Games. This news comes straight from an email sent by EA Entertainment president Laura Miele to the company's staff.

Consolidating Creative Efforts

Miele's email revealed that this decision is part of a broader strategy to "sharpen our focus" and direct their creative energy towards projects deemed most promising for growth. In conjunction with the closure of Cliffhanger and the cancellation of the Black Panther game, EA also announced layoffs affecting both the mobile and central teams.

Impact on Employees

While EA has not disclosed the exact number of layoffs, sources suggest they are considerably fewer than the nearly 300 positions cut last month. Miele expressed her empathy towards those affected, stating, "These decisions are hard" and highlighted the company's efforts to support impacted employees in finding new roles within EA.

Focusing on Core Franchises

Looking ahead, EA aims to concentrate on a select few franchises such as Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends. Miele reassured stakeholders that investments will continue for the Iron Man game and the upcoming third installment of the Star Wars: Jedi series.

What’s Next for EA and Marvel?

Interestingly, the cancellation of the Black Panther game marks a setback in EA's multi-game deal with Marvel, which also includes an Iron Man game. Despite this setback, Miele affirmed that their partnership with Marvel remains strong and will proceed under the leadership of Motive Studios.

A Troubling Trend of Layoffs

EA's recent actions are part of a troubling trend, with multiple rounds of layoffs and project cancellations over the past few years. In 2025 alone, the company saw significant cuts, including a major restructuring that impacted over 670 employees. Concerns are growing about the future stability of remote workers as EA implements a mandatory return-to-office policy.

Conclusion: The Future of EA and Gaming?

As gamers and industry insiders digest this news, one question looms: What does this mean for the future of EA and its gaming franchises? With a renewed focus on core projects and a turbulent history of layoffs, only time will tell how this will shape the gaming landscape.