EA Cancels Black Panther Game and Closes Cliffhanger Games Amid Layoffs

Electronic Arts (EA) has reportedly canceled its upcoming Black Panther video game and shut down the studio responsible for its development, Cliffhanger Games, as part of a new round of layoffs.

Why Was the Black Panther Game Canceled?

The Black Panther title, which was announced in 2023 as part of a three-game deal between Marvel Games and EA, was being developed by Cliffhanger Games, a Seattle-based studio led by former Monolith executive Kevin Stephens.

The game was described as a third-person, single-player, open-world experience that allowed players to take on the mantle of Wakanda's protector.

However, in a company-wide email (reported by IGN), Laura Miele, President of EA Entertainment, explained that the decision to cancel the game and close Cliffhanger Games was part of an effort to “sharpen the focus and put the creative energy behind the most significant growth opportunities.”

More Layoffs Across EA

This closure is just the latest in a series of layoffs at EA in 2025. Less than a month ago, the company laid off around 300 employees, with significant cuts at Respawn Entertainment, where a new Titanfall title and another incubating project were both canceled. EA has confirmed that the current layoffs are fewer in number than the previous round but declined to provide specific figures.

Affected employees come not only from Cliffhanger Games but also from EA’s mobile and central teams. The company is reportedly working to relocate impacted staff within EA where possible.

“These decisions are hard,” Miele acknowledged. “They affect people we’ve worked with, learned from, and shared real moments with. We’re doing everything we can to support them.”

What’s Next for EA?

Going forward, EA will focus its resources on its core franchises:

• Battlefield

• The Sims

• Apex Legends

• Skate

In addition, EA confirmed that development continues on the Iron Man game at Motive Studios, along with the third entry in Respawn's Star Wars Jedi series and BioWare’s next Mass Effect game. Miele reaffirmed EA's commitment to mobile gaming despite the latest job cuts.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson has previously signaled a shift away from licensed games unless they offer strong business potential — a move that helps explain the cancellation of Black Panther, which may not have aligned with EA's changing strategy.

The closure of Cliffhanger Games is particularly notable because the studio was founded specifically for Black Panther, and included veteran developers from franchises like God of War, Call of Duty, and Halo.