EA Cancels Black Panther Game, But Marvel Partnership Still On Track

Last week, Electronic Arts (EA) announced the closure of Cliffhanger Games and the cancellation of its in-development Black Panther title. Despite this setback, both EA and Marvel Games have reaffirmed that their multi-game partnership remains intact, with Iron Man still leading the charge.

EA-Marvel Deal Continues Despite Studio Closure

The EA-Marvel partnership, first announced in 2023, includes a three-game deal focused on original, narrative-driven titles featuring Marvel’s iconic characters.

While Cliffhanger Games was previously working on Black Panther, the game's cancellation raised questions about the future of the collaboration.

However, both companies have swiftly clarified their commitment. In a statement to IGN, EA Entertainment president Laura Miele said:

"Our partnership with Marvel remains strong and our multi-title, long-term collaboration continues."

Marvel also echoed this sentiment, stating:

“The multi-title, long-term relationship between Marvel Games and EA, a creative collaboration focused on original storytelling with various, beloved Marvel characters, remains strong. Development of our console and PC titles, beginning with Marvel’s Iron Man, is led by Motive Studios.”

When asked if the three-game plan is still in place, a Marvel spokesperson confirmed that all three games are still planned, though the third title has yet to be publicly revealed.

Iron Man Still Flying High at Motive Studio

While Black Panther is no longer in the works, EA’s upcoming Iron Man game, currently in development at Motive Studio, remains on track.

This title will be the first release in the Marvel-EA partnership and is expected to focus on a single-player, third-person action-adventure experience with a rich, original story centered around Tony Stark.

Last year, the game hit major internal milestones, with Motive's general manager, Patrick Klaus, confirming "excellent progress". The studio is hiring over 100 developers to support this and other projects, indicating a robust commitment.

Recent Job listings suggest large-scale single-player levels and potential RPG elements, like suit customization, drawing from Tony Stark’s tech-heavy persona. There’s also speculation about an open-world design emphasizing flight mechanics, a core aspect of Iron Man’s identity.

Despite EA Motive also contributing to the Battlefield series, the Iron Man project remains a priority, with no signs of delay or cancellation.

More Marvel Games in the Pipeline

The broader Marvel Games universe is still expanding, with other titles in development across various studios, including:

• Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra – by Skydance New Media

• Marvel’s Wolverine – by Insomniac Games

• Marvel’s Blade – by Arkane Lyon

With Cliffhanger Games now closed and Black Panther shelved, the spotlight falls on Motive Studio to deliver a standout Iron Man title. Meanwhile, fans await news about the mysterious third game in EA and Marvel’s deal.