
Black Panther game cancelled: EA also shuts down Cliffhanger Studio games
Electronic Arts has cancelled its Black Panther game and closed the studio behind it, Cliffhanger Games, less than two years after the project was announced.
The decision was confirmed following a report by IGN, and marks another chapter in a series of layoffs and restructurings at the gaming giant.
The cancellation was announced internally via an email from Laura Miele, president of EA Entertainment and Technology, who said the move was part of an effort to 'sharpen our focus and put our creative energy behind the most significant growth opportunities.'
While the Black Panther project is no more, EA stated it would continue development on other high-profile titles, including the Iron Man game announced in 2022, the next Star Wars: Jedi instalment, and a new entry in the Mass Effect series.
The single player Black Panther video game has been canceled at Electronic Arts and Cliffhanger Games has been closed.
(Source: IGN) pic.twitter.com/xFUrIEeoWJ — The Game Awards (@thegameawards) May 28, 2025
Core franchises such as Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends will remain a priority for the company.
'These decisions are hard,' Miele wrote, acknowledging the human cost of the restructuring. '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, where we've had success helping people land in new roles.'
The end of Cliffhanger Games comes shortly after EA laid off an estimated 300–400 employees in April, and cancelled two early-stage 'incubation projects,' including a new Titanfall concept.
Those actions followed significant cuts at BioWare earlier this year, after Dragon Age: The Veilguard reportedly underperformed.
Cliffhanger Games was established in 2023 with the ambitious goal of delivering a narrative-rich, single-player Black Panther experience.
Its swift closure underscores the increasing financial and creative pressures within the gaming industry—particularly for projects outside EA's established blockbuster catalogue.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
Damson Idris hints at Marvel talks for potential T'Challa role in Black Panther franchise
Damson Idris has hinted at ongoing conversations with Marvel Studios regarding a role in the Black Panther franchise, lending credibility to recent casting rumors. The Snowfall star, who currently appears alongside Brad Pitt in F1: The Movie, was previously speculated to be among those considered to take over the mantle of T'Challa, following the passing of original actor Chadwick Boseman. Idris initially responded to the rumors on social media with sarcasm, claiming he had also declined roles in a 007 film, a Daniel Day-Lewis collaboration, and an Eddie Murphy biopic—comments that many took lightly. However, during a recent appearance on Today (via Entertainment Weekly), Idris offered a more ambiguous response when asked directly whether he had spoken with Marvel about playing Black Panther. After hesitating, he answered: 'Yes-no.' When asked if he would take the role if offered, he confirmed with a clear 'yes.' While initial speculation centered on recasting the original T'Challa, current reports suggest Marvel may instead be casting the character's son, Toussaint (also named Prince T'Challa), introduced at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. This younger character is expected to appear in an upcoming Avengers film, eventually playing a central role in Black Panther 3. Director Ryan Coogler, who directed the first two Black Panther films, expressed in a 2022 New York Times interview that he remains committed to the franchise. 'I'll do it as long as folks will have me,' Coogler said, emphasizing the cultural and commercial impact of the series.


Express Tribune
05-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Ryan Gosling 'White Black Panther Meme' resurfaces amid Marvel Comics' new Ketema revelation
Marvel's recent unveiling of a white character as the new Black Panther has reignited the long-running meme featuring Ryan Gosling as the iconic hero. In the first issue of Marvel Knights: The World To Come (2025), a bold twist sees T'Challa's son, Ketema, taking on the mantle of Black Panther—only to reveal himself as a white man, much to the surprise of fans. This revelation has reignited debates surrounding the character's identity and spurred the meme, which humorously features Gosling in the role of the Wakandan king. Ketema's unmasking as a white young man has raised eyebrows, particularly because Black Panther, in both comic lore and on-screen portrayals (such as by Chadwick Boseman and Letitia Wright), has historically been a Black African character. The reveal, as part of the Marvel Knights series, follows a politically charged storyline set in the wake of T'Challa's death, where Ketema, a product of T'Challa's relationship with Monica Lynne, assumes the throne after defeating his father in a challenge. However, the mystery surrounding Ketema's true parentage has fueled speculation. Some fans question if he is indeed T'Challa's biological son or if another explanation—such as genetic engineering or alternate realities—might be at play. As the character of Ketema steps into a new role in Wakanda, the viral meme depicting Gosling as Black Panther has resurfaced, as fans joke about the possibility of the actor embodying the character on screen. While this meme has circulated for years, with Gosling often being humorously suggested for the role, the comic's plot twist has breathed new life into this online trend. The meme's return reflects the ongoing conversation about the boundaries of cultural identity, legacy, and representation in popular media, especially within the context of Marvel's bold narrative choices. It remains to be seen whether future Marvel Knights issues will provide more clarity about Ketema's origins and his role in Wakanda's future. The controversy and discussion sparked by this creative decision underscore Marvel's willingness to challenge conventions and explore new narratives.


Express Tribune
05-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Marvel Tokon fighting souls announced by Arc System Works for PS5 in 2026
Marvel fans can look forward to a new fighting game developed by Arc System Works, the studio behind the acclaimed Dragon Ball FighterZ. Announced during the June 2025 Sony State of Play, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls will feature popular Marvel heroes and villains in an exciting new 4v4 team-based fighting format. With Capcom stepping back from Marvel fighting games, Arc System Works brings fresh expertise to the franchise's legacy. Capcom's earlier titles, popular in the 1990s, faced challenges related to character licensing—especially around the X-Men—which contributed to the decline of Marvel fighting games over time. Arc System Works, known for fighting game franchises such as Guilty Gear, BlazBlue, and the Persona fighting game series, has a strong reputation for delivering visually stunning and well-balanced gameplay. Their work on Dragon Ball FighterZ was particularly praised for capturing the anime's aesthetic, raising expectations for Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls. The game will feature a robust lineup of characters and a new 4v4 team fighting system, offering fresh gameplay dynamics. So far, confirmed fighters include Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Star-Lord, Ms. Marvel, Storm, Dr. Doom, and Ghost Rider, with more to be revealed. The 4v4 format allows players to build large teams, an ambitious approach that will test the developers' ability to maintain game balance. Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is set to release on PlayStation 5 in 2026. Fans can watch the debut trailer and a behind-the-scenes development video from the Sony State of Play event, available on The Game Awards' official YouTube channel.