Marvel fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming years, as several studios are working on games based on their favorite superheroes. One of the most anticipated projects is EA’s Black Panther game, which was announced on 10 July 2023, celebrating the 57th anniversary of the character’s comic debut.
The game is being developed by Cliffhanger Games, a new AAA studio based in Seattle, and will be led by Kevin Stephens, the former Monolith Productions studio head. Stephens has a lot of experience in creating licensed titles, and has worked on games such as Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, which won several awards for its innovative gameplay and story.
According to EA’s press release, the Black Panther game will be a third-person, single-player action-adventure title that will allow players to explore the expansive and reactive world of Wakanda, the incredibly awesome and fictional African nation home to the Black Panther and his people.
“Our mission is to build an expansive and reactive world that empowers players to experience what it is like to take on the mantle of Wakanda’s protector, the Black Panther”, Stephens said in a statement. “We want our game to enable players to feel what it’s like to be worthy of the Black Panther mantle in unique, story-driven ways, and we want Cliffhanger Games to empower everyone on our team as we collaborate to bring this amazing world to life.”
It goes without saying how the Black Panther game will feature the iconic suit, which grants the wearer enhanced strength, speed, agility, durability, and senses. The suit also has various gadgets and weapons, such as claws, vibranium daggers, energy blasts, and cloaking technology (almost as if it was made to be a video game). The title will also showcase Wakanda’s advanced technology, culture, rich history and traditions. Having access to more Afrofuturism in video games is extremely welcome, so here’s hoping more games will delve into this fascinating concept once this Marvel title is released.
Although there are many unknowns about EA’s Black Panther game, there are notions of how it will introduce new characters and villains to challenge the titular character and his allies, as well as introduce a branching narrative that will change depending on the player’s choices and actions (presumably more inline with the recent Assassin’s Creed titles versus being as impactful as choices made in Detroit Become Human). The game will also share similarities to Marvel’s Spider-Man, and will therefore feature an “expansive and reactive world” alongside side missions and activities allowing players to discover more secrets and lore of Wakanda.
EA’s Black Panther game is part of a long-term deal between Marvel and EA, which will see the publisher release at least three action-adventure games for consoles and PC. The first game announced under this deal was Iron Man, which is being developed by EA Motive, the studio behind Star Wars Squadrons and the excellent Dead Space remake. Marvel and EA’s Iron Man is expected to launch in 2024.
EA’s Black Panther game does not have a release date or title yet, but fans can expect more details and updates in the future. The game is expected to be a ‘groundbreaking and immersive’ experience honouring the legacy of the Black Panther and his creator, Stan Lee.
Owner, founder and editor-in-chief at Vamers, Hans has a vested interest in geek culture and the interactive entertainment industry. With a Masters degree in Communications and Ludology, he is well read and versed in matters relating to video games and communication media, among many other topics of interest.