The cancellation of an EABlack Panthervideo 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 apost-launch addition to the ill-fatedMarvel’s Avengersgame and making appearances among the ensemble in games likeLEGO Marvel Super Heroesand, 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, butMarvel 1943: Rise of Hydrawill at least get closerthan ever before.
What Happened To EA’s Black Panther Game?
A Disappointing Cancellation & Closure
IGNreportedthe cancellation of EA’sBlack Panthergame and the closure of developer Cliffhanger Games, which was shared in a staff emailfrom EA Entertainment CEO Laura Miele. Sweeping layoffs, closures, and restructurings have become unfortunately common in the gaming industry, and this particular move follows majorlayoffs at EA’s Respawn Entertainmentfrom 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.
It’s a frustrating symptom of modern AAA development woes, where modest budgets and diverse arrays of projects have frequently fallen by the wayside.TheBlack Panthergame would have apparently featured an open-world Wakandaacross 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, isMarvel 1943: Rise of Hydra. Developed by Skydance New Media and helmed byUncharteddirector Amy Hennig,Marvel 1943pairs 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.
AlthoughMarvel 1943: Rise of Hydrawas recently delayeduntil 2026, it’s definitely further along in development than EA’sBlack Pantheror the canceledWonder Womangame 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 theBatman: Arkhamseries andMarvel’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.
It’s still not an ideal situation, asEA’sBlack Panthergame andMarvel 1943: Rise of Hydrawould 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 theMarvel’s Spider-Mangames to be especially excited aboutMarvel’s Wolverine, soMarvel 1943is competing withArkane’sBladegamefor the lion’s share of my interest.
IfMarvel 1943: Rise of Hydrasticks 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 Hydracould easily be an even better Black Panther experience than EA’sBlack Panthermight have been.
