Summary
Officially announced back in July 2023, EA’sBlack Panthergame is still shrouded in mystery. Currently, the only official details EA has given about the project are those present in that initial 2023 announcement, where it’s confirmed thatnew studio Cliffhanger Gamesis working on an “original, third-person, single-player game” based on the iconic Marvel superhero. But for many fans, that’s all the news they need to get that hype train going.
Though the character debuted all the way back in 1966 withFantastic Four #52and has plenty of great comic runs,Black Pantherhas shot to stardom in the last decade or so thanks to his multiple appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ever since Black Panther’s MCU debut inCaptain America: Civil War, fans have been asking for a video game focused solely on the Wakandan hero, and hopefully, EA’s game can live up to those lofty expectations. However, Cliffhanger Games can’t try to rush success.
Why It’s Fine for EA’s Black Panther to Take Its Time
EA’s Black Panther Can Avoid Comparisons With Marvel 1943
Currently set for a 2025 release,Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydracould give EA’s Black Panther game some serious competition. Set in the eponymous year,Marvel 1943will see players take control of Captain America, the Howling Commando Gabriel Jones, the Wakandan spy Nanali, and Black Panther during WW2. While this version of Black Panther will likely differ from EA’s version of the character – withMarvel 1943’s iteration beingT’Challa’s grandfather Azzuri– comparisons between the two video game versions of the hero are inevitable. This is just one reason why Cliffhanger and EA may want to take extra time with their Black Panther title.
EA’s Black Panther Can Capitalize on the MCU
On a contrary note, EA’s Black Panther game might want to time its release to coincide with some of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming projects. Currently, there are two Black Panther-related projects slated for the MCU’s future, these being the Ryan Coogler-helmedEyes of Wakandaanimated Disney+ show, and a rumored Okoye-led solo show. With the MCU’s slate being pretty turbulent at the minute, it’s unclear if these projects will go ahead. Still, the character of Black Panther will likely return in the near future regardless, if not in these shows, then in the upcomingAvengersmovies currently set to release in 2026 and 2027.
WhileEA’s Black Panther gamewould want to avoid direct comparisons with another video game adaptation like the one inMarvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, it’d be a smart move to release alongside a live-action portrayal of the character. The hype surrounding a superhero usually increases significantly when they appear in live-action, and EA’s Black Panther game could benefit from that shared excitement.
EA’s Black Panther Should Have as Much Time as It Needs
Perhaps the most important reason why EA and Cliffhanger should take their time with Black Panther is that the game could simply use as much time in development as possible. Though timing its release to avoidMarvel 1943but coincide with an MCU project would be an ideal strategy, game development is incredibly complicated, with a million different shifting parts. Cliffhanger Games may already have some industry veterans on board, but it’s still a brand-new studio, and makinga AAA Black Panther gameis no easy task. To ensure that the game fulfills its potential and lives up to expectations, Cliffhanger should be allowed to take all the time it needs with Black Panther.
Marvel
Marvel is a brand associated with a wide array of popular superhero comics, movies, television shows, and merchandise. The company owns the rights to popular characters like The Avengers, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Deadpool, and many more.
