2XKO team to downsize following lackluster launch

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Riot Games is reducing the team working on its free-to-play fighting game, 2XKO, because player numbers haven’t met expectations. While development will continue, it will be handled by a smaller team concentrating on essential improvements and features players have requested. Employees affected by the change will be offered other roles at Riot, or will receive at least six months of severance pay.

I first got my hands on 2XKO when it entered Early Access on PC back in October 2025. But the full release, with all the bells and whistles, finally hit PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on January 20, 2026. I’ve been playing it ever since!

Here is the full update from Riot Games’ Tom Cannon:

Hey Everyone,

I’m writing to let you know about a significant change regarding 2XKO. It’s not easy to share this news, but we want to be upfront about what’s happening and the reasons behind it.

What’s Changing and Why

After a lot of discussion and reflection, we are reducing the size of the 2XKO team.

We didn’t make this decision easily. As we brought 2XKO to consoles, we noticed clear patterns in how players were enjoying the game. While a dedicated group of players really loves it, overall the game hasn’t gained enough traction to justify the cost of maintaining a large development team in the long run.

Okay, so we’re slimming down the team to really focus on making the game better. We’re tackling the most important stuff, and a lot of it is based on what you guys have been telling us! I’ll share more details about what we’re planning soon, so stay tuned.

We’re still on track with our plans for the 2026 Competitive Series. We’ll continue working closely with tournament organizers and local communities, and remain dedicated to supporting the events and people who make the fighting game community great.

This decision represents a change in our approach. It’s not about anyone’s performance, and it doesn’t mean we’re giving up. We’re restructuring the team to help 2XKO succeed long-term.

About the People Behind the Game

I want to be clear about something that matters deeply to me.

The team behind 2XKO dedicated years of passion, hard work, and faith to creating this game. It takes courage to be this creative, and their efforts truly made a difference.

We’re dedicated to helping our affected employees during this change. This includes finding new roles at Riot when available, and ensuring those whose positions are eliminated receive at least six months of pay and severance benefits.

Going Forward

We realize this change might cause some questions and worry, and that’s perfectly normal. We’ll keep you informed as things develop.

We’re incredibly grateful for the amazing energy and passion you’ve all shown as part of the 2XKO community. Your enthusiasm is truly inspiring, and it will be a key driver as we continue to develop and improve the game.

Thanks for playing 2XKO, for your thoughtful questions, and for being a valued member of our community!

—Tom Cannon

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2026-02-09 23:16