The cancellation of an EA Black Panther video game that was in the works is a disappointing blow, but the hero isn’t down for the count when it comes to upcoming video games. Despite Black Panther’s popularity as both a comic hero and a part of the MCU, he hasn’t had the same luck in the gaming sphere. The films released after Marvel had already cooled down on making mid-budget MCU tie-in games, so the more ambitious title in the works from EA would have been a major solo debut.
Black Panther has still shown up here and there, arriving as a post-launch addition to the ill-fated Marvel’s Avengers game and making appearances among the ensemble in games like LEGO Marvel Super Heroes and, unsurprisingly, Fortnite. As a character that’s more than capable of carrying a lead role, however, the overall slate remains underwhelming. With the EA game wiped from the slate, there’s still no solo lead role for Black Panther in the future, but Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra will at least get closer than ever before.
What Happened To EA’s Black Panther Game?
A Disappointing Cancellation & Closure
IGN reported the cancellation of EA’s Black Panther game and the closure of developer Cliffhanger Games, which was shared in a staff email from EA Entertainment CEO Laura Miele. Sweeping layoffs, closures, and restructurings have become unfortunately common in the gaming industry, and this particular move follows major layoffs at EA’s Respawn Entertainment from the previous month. EA is still moving forward with an Iron Man video game, but the company is streamlining its overall focus to emphasize proven successes.
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I can’t believe EA scrapped the Black Panther game after all these years.
Ever since Insomniac showed the world how to make a gripping superhero video game with Spider-Man, I’ve been surprised that no one has been able to properly follow in their footsteps, but have remained hopeful about some of the projects on the horizon, namely Insomniac’s Wolverine title, and Cliffhanger Studios’ Black Panther game. Despite being in the works for at least two years, I’m so disheartened that EA has scrapped the game and shut the studio down, as that’s a hero who has so much potential for a great character action game that also further expands the cultural celebration of Wakanda. Plus, since gaming licensing rights can be even trickier than general character rights, I’ve no idea how likely it is we’ll get a solo Black Panther game from here.
It’s a frustrating symptom of modern AAA development woes, where modest budgets and diverse arrays of projects have frequently fallen by the wayside. The Black Panther game would have apparently featured an open-world Wakanda across multiple eras, which could have made for an interesting single-player adventure. It’s unclear just how far along it was in development, but it was announced in 2023, so it wasn’t in the earliest stages.
Black Panther Will Appear In Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra
Sharing The Spotlight With Captain America
One Marvel game project that seems safe from cancellation, on the other hand, is Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra. Developed by Skydance New Media and helmed by Uncharted director Amy Hennig, Marvel 1943 pairs Captain America and the Black Panther Azzuri on a WW2-era adventure. Azzuri is King T’Chanda rather than the typical Black Panther T’Challa, but he bears the same mantle and stands for many of the same ideals.
Azzuri is the father of King T’Chaka and grandfather of T’Challa.
Although Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra was recently delayed until 2026, it’s definitely further along in development than EA’s Black Panther or the canceled Wonder Woman game were, so a rug pull seems unlikely. With Amy Hennig’s involvement, it also has a real shot at greatness, giving it a chance to join the ranks of iconic superhero games like the Batman: Arkham series and Marvel’s Spider-Man. Only time will tell if it can deliver on all of its potential, but I’d be surprised if it doesn’t at least have flashes of glory.
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Marvel 1943: Rise Of Hydra’s Delay Is Just In Time For An Incredible Captain America Comics Milestone
Captain America has made waves in the comics world for decades, and his upcoming major video game could tie in nicely to a huge anniversary.
It’s still not an ideal situation, as EA’s Black Panther game and Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra would certainly have brought different ideas to the table, but at least Black Panther has a brighter future in video games than some other heroes. I don’t have enough personal love for the Marvel’s Spider-Man games to be especially excited about Marvel’s Wolverine, so Marvel 1943 is competing with Arkane’s Blade game for the lion’s share of my interest.
If Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra sticks the landing, it could always lead to more Black Panther video games in the future, even if they come from a different lineage than the EA game. Between the engaging duo in lead roles, the historical setting, and the talent behind the game, Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra could easily be an even better Black Panther experience than EA’s Black Panther might have been.
Source: IGN
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra
- Released
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2025
- ESRB
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t
- Developer(s)
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Skydance New Media
- Publisher(s)
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Skydance New Media
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 5
- Franchise
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Marvel
