EA Axes Black Panther Game & Closes Studio, Yet Marvel Partnership Thrives with “At Least Three” More Titles Confirmed
In a move that has sent ripples through the gaming community, Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed the cancellation of its anticipated Black Panther game and the closure of the studio responsible for its development. However, amidst this news and ongoing layoffs, EA has emphatically stated that this decision does not signal a weakening of its collaboration with Marvel Entertainment. In fact, the publisher has revealed it still has “at least three” additional Marvel games actively in development.
The Black Panther project, first announced in 2023, had remained largely under wraps. News of its termination, alongside another round of job cuts at the company, surfaced earlier this week. In an internal email to employees, Laura Miele, President of EA Entertainment, explained the move was intended to help the publisher “sharpen our focus and put our creative energy behind the most significant growth opportunities.”
Miele was quick to reassure that developer EA Motive’s upcoming Iron Man game remains unaffected. Nevertheless, the cancellation of the Black Panther title – particularly as EA continues a broader strategy of retreating from “future licensed IP” – sparked concern among industry observers that the company’s previously announced three-game deal with Marvel might be concluding prematurely.
Dispelling these worries, EA has now clarified its position to IGN. An EA spokesperson confirmed that “the multi-title, long-term relationship between Marvel Games and EA… remains strong.” They further elaborated, “Development of our console and PC titles, beginning with Marvel’s Iron Man, is led by Motive Studios.” This confirms that despite Black Panther’s removal from the slate, EA’s Marvel pipeline is still active with multiple projects.
The cancellation and subsequent layoffs are part of a continuing pattern of restructuring at EA throughout the year. In April, the company laid off over 300 employees, with notable studios like Respawn Entertainment (known for Apex Legends and Star Wars Jedi) losing around 100 staff members. During that period, EA also shelved several in-development projects, reportedly including a new Titanfall game, as part of a “continued focus on our long-term strategic priorities.” More recently, further job cuts were announced following EA’s decision to end its licensing partnership with the WRC.
It’s worth noting for fans of the Wakandan hero that a second, unrelated Black Panther project – Skydance Games’ Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, helmed by Uncharted writer Amy Hennig – was also recently delayed and is now expected next year.
While the loss of EA’s Black Panther game is undoubtedly disappointing for many, the publisher’s reaffirmation of a multi-game commitment to the Marvel universe offers a significant silver lining for fans eagerly awaiting new interactive adventures with their favorite superheroes.
