A Glimpse into Wakanda’s Lost Legacy: Exciting Details Emerge About EA’s Ambitious (But Canceled) Black Panther Game
Imagine a Black Panther game where you could step into the boots of T’Challa, Killmonger, or Shuri, each vying for the legendary mantle, all while battling shapeshifting Skrulls in an epic Secret Invasion storyline. Sounds incredible, right? This was the exciting vision reportedly taking shape at EA’s Cliffhanger Games before the project was unfortunately canceled this week, as revealed in a new report by Bloomberg.
While the news of the game’s cancellation and studio closure is undoubtedly a tough blow, the details emerging paint a picture of a truly promising title that was brimming with potential. The team at Cliffhanger Games, who were understandably caught off guard by the sudden decision (reportedly given just 30 minutes notice), had apparently just passed a significant development milestone. They were actively working towards a “vertical slice”—a playable chunk designed to showcase the game’s core mechanics and captivating world in action.
What We Almost Got to Play:
The ambition was clear: the game was set to explore a fascinating narrative where players could have chosen to embody T’Challa, the formidable Killmonger, or the brilliant Shuri, each on their path to potentially becoming the Black Panther and wielding superhuman powers. The central conflict? A throwdown with the cunning, shapeshifting Skrulls, directly inspired by Marvel’s popular “Secret Invasion” comic book crossover event – a dream scenario for many fans!
Perhaps most excitingly, the gameplay aimed to incorporate an evolution of the highly acclaimed Nemesis system from Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor. This innovative feature could have meant enemies who remembered past encounters, evolving relationships, and dynamic rivalries between the aspiring Black Panther candidates, creating a deeply personal and replayable experience.
A Talented Team with a Bright Vision:
Though the project didn’t reach the finish line, with reports suggesting a lack of desired progress after years of prototyping despite recent team growth, the passion of the developers shines through. Software engineer Ted Snook shared, “Well, it was a good run while it lasted… We had a great team, and the project was starting to get some momentum. This industry is just so brutal.” Narrative designer Ricky Llamas highlighted the positive studio environment: “What stands out to me about this studio is how open folks are to having frank conversations and working through our problems together. It helps create a healthy dynamic that’s rare to see.” These sentiments underscore the talent and collaborative spirit behind the scenes.
While EA is currently “narrowing its focus” on its biggest franchises like The Sims, Battlefield, and Apex Legends amidst wider industry shifts, there’s still a silver lining for Marvel enthusiasts. EA has confirmed its three-game deal with Disney remains in effect. So, while this particular Wakandan adventure may not see the light of day, we can still look forward to EA Motive’s Iron Man game and two more Marvel titles in the years to come. Here’s hoping the ambition and creativity seen in the plans for Black Panther find their way into future heroic adventures!
