EA Abandons Black Panther Game, Will Start to Focus on Fewer IPs
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- EA canceled its Black Panther game and will shut down the studio behind it, Cliffhanger Games.
- The studio also revealed that it will only focus on Battlefield, The Sims, Skate and Apex Legends moving forward.
- IGN estimates that laid-off employees should be fewer than last month’s.
An IGN report revealed that EA has canceled its Black Panther game and is shutting down the studio behind it, Cliffhanger Games. Additionally, EA said it would only focus on a handful of franchises moving forward.
EA Entertainment president Laura Miele sent an email to staff regarding the changes, stating that the layoffs and cancellations were made so the studio could sharpen its focus on “the most significant growth opportunities.”
She also mentioned that the studio will start to focus on the following franchises going forward: Battlefield, The Sims, Skate and Apex Legends. However, Miele said that they’re still investing in the Iron Man game that’s being developed at Motive Studio, as well as the third Star Wars: Jedi game.
The Black Panther game was part of EA’s three-game deal with Marvel. The other game was the previously mentioned Iron Man game, and the other one remains unannounced. Miele clarified that the partnership with Marvel is still ongoing and remains strong.
Regarding layoffs, IGN estimates that the number should be fewer than the previous month’s layoffs, which were estimated to be around 300 roles. However, the information cannot be confirmed, as EA refused to comment when the outlet asked for the exact number.
EA has had a rough time with layoffs, having three rounds just this year. In 2024, 670 people lost their jobs due to massive restructuring efforts made by the studio.
