EA developers took to social media to share their reactions after news broke that the Black Panther game was canceled and its studio, Cliffhanger Games, would be closing permanently.

Little gameplay footage emerged following Black Panther's 2023 reveal, though details confirmed it would feature open-world exploration with single-player action-adventure gameplay. Development was handled by Cliffhanger Games—a studio founded in 2023 by veterans from Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and led by industry veteran Kevin Stephens before its abrupt shutdown.

In an internal email obtained by IGN, EA Entertainment president Laura Miele explained these cuts align with broader restructuring efforts to "concentrate resources on high-potential projects." Cancellations and layoffs, though difficult, aim to streamline operations.

"These choices weigh heavily," Miele acknowledged. "They impact talented colleagues who've contributed meaningfully to our culture. We're prioritizing transition support, including internal role placements where possible."

Following the announcement, former Cliffhanger team members used social platforms to mourn the project's demise while urging studios to recruit affected developers.

Concept artist Karla Ortiz reflected: “Our team poured passion into crafting something extraordinary—visually breathtaking, meticulously detailed. It’s devastating knowing players will never experience our vision.”

She added: “Saying goodbye to this brilliant group hurts deeply. Collaborating with them was a privilege. Today feels unbearably bittersweet.”

Ortiz emphasized their commitment: “...every developer fought tirelessly to complete this project. The care and creativity invested were unparalleled. We were moments from revealing something magical to the world—something truly peerless.”

Freddie Lee, Senior Environment Architect II, praised colleagues: “Working alongside talents like Karla pushed my craft forward dramatically. This team redefined excellence—their artistry and camaraderie were unmatched.”

Lee noted the shock: “The closure blindsided everyone.”

Game designer Sophie Mallinson urged hiring managers: “This was a dream team composition. Any studio securing these developers inherits elite talent. Losing a Black Panther RPG from Nemesis System creators is tragic.”

Rayme Vinson, Principal Technical Designer at Gravity Well (formerly Respawn), recalled previewing the project: “After EA shelved our Star Wars FPS, we interfaced with Cliffhanger’s team during transition talks. Their ambitious vision—even partially realized—would’ve redefined superhero games.”

Patrick Wren, Senior Encounter Designer on Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, summarized morale impacts: “This has been EA’s toughest period culturally.”

The shutdown follows EA’s aggressive restructuring throughout 2023-2025. Recent actions include 300 layoffs last month—affecting 100 Respawn staff alongside cancellations of Titanfall and incubation titles. BioWare downsized earlier this year, reallocating some staff while releasing others. Preceding cuts included 670 company-wide terminations (including two dozen Respawn employees) in 2024, plus 50 BioWare departures and undisclosed Codemasters reductions in 2023.

EA now narrows focus to core franchises: Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends. Development continues on Motive’s Iron Man, Respawn’s next Star Wars: Jedi installment, BioWare’s Mass Effect, and mobile offerings. EA Sports (FC/Madden) operates separately from EA Entertainment.