EA recently canceled a highly anticipated Black Panther game, leaving many fans and developers stunned. The news broke just half an hour before an internal meeting, catching the team at Cliffhanger Games off guard. They had been working hard on a prototype and had just achieved a significant development milestone.
The game was set to feature characters like T’Challa, Killmonger, and Shuri, each vying for the Black Panther mantle. Players would have faced off against the shapeshifting Skrull, a nod to Marvel’s Secret Invasion crossover event. The game’s design aimed to incorporate a unique "Nemesis system," allowing enemies to remember past encounters, adding depth to battles and interactions.
Despite this ambitious vision, EA decided to pull the plug. Experts suggest the decision stemmed from a lack of significant progress over several years. This cancellation is part of a broader trend; the gaming industry has seen many layoffs and project cancellations recently, including hundreds of job losses at EA. As the company aims to “narrow its focus,” it is prioritizing established franchises like The Sims, Battlefield, and Apex Legends.
Developers expressed their disappointment on social media. Ted Snook, a software engineer from the project, commented on how the studio had just begun to gain momentum. Narrative designer Ricky Llamas highlighted the collaborative and open culture at Cliffhanger, making the cancellation feel even more disheartening.
Interestingly, EA still claims its three-game deal with Disney is intact, and plans to release at least two more Marvel titles after Iron Man. This ongoing commitment to Marvel could provide hope to fans looking for fresh superhero games in the future.
For further insight into the industry changes and company strategies, you’ll find more information in reports from Bloomberg and IGN.
Source link
Skrull, Black Panther, Ricky Llamas, Public Investment Fund, Motive Studio, disney, Chadwick Boseman, Ted Snook, Secret Invasion, Erik Killmonger, Electronic Arts, Shuri, Kotaku