EA Staff Reportedly Surprised by Black Panther Game Cancellation for Two Key Reasons

Man, the world of video gaming, it’s a wild ride sometimes. So, get this, EA just axed the Black Panther game from Cliffhanger Games, and the studio’s closing its doors too. You know, the folks working there were blindsided—like, really caught off guard.

Cliffhanger was apparently on a hiring spree like right until the last possible moment, and EA had just given them the thumbs up to keep trucking along. And yet, poof! It’s all over. No idea what the real deal is, but it’s got to be frustrating as heck.

Cliffhanger Games, based out in rainy Seattle, got the official nod in July 2023. They were all set, saying, “Hey, look at us, we’re making a Black Panther game!” And EA’s like, “Nah, just kidding,” less than two years later. I read somewhere in a leaked email from some bigwig at EA, Laura Miele, that they want to refocus resources on “biggest growth opportunities” or something like that. Corporate speak, am I right?

And, here’s another juicy bit. The surprise wasn’t just for us gamers. Folks at Cliffhanger were apparently hiring for multiple roles like, “Hey, we’re growing!” Then bam! Canceled. Someone said EA’s project review was more like a green light—a “gate” they call it. Guess Cliffhanger thought the light was more green than it actually was.

Anyway—or maybe it’s more about perception? Some suits at EA were apparently miffed that after four years, the game was still chilling in pre-prod. Development technically kicked off way before the official studio announcement. So yeah, four years and still revving up in the lane. Frustration, meet your new friend, cancellation.

Now, leaks—gotta love ‘em or hate ‘em. After word got out about the closure, some Black Panther concept art made its way out there. Maybe there’s more coming if the staff doesn’t get new gigs. Sad state, really, for fans and devs alike.

Oh, and fear not, if you crave your Black Panther fix, Skydance New Media’s got you covered. They’re cooking up something with an early 2026 release. It’s called Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra—Unreal Engine 5. Seriously, Unreal Engine, always sounds so epic, doesn’t it?

That’s the scoop. Keep your eyes peeled. Who knows what crazy turns this saga will take next?