A heartbreaking decision has been made by Riot Games, impacting the future of their fighting game, 2XKO. The game's development team has been reduced, resulting in layoffs for approximately 80 dedicated employees. But here's where it gets controversial...
According to Executive Producer Tom Cannon, the game 'hasn't reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term.' This statement has sparked debate among gamers and industry professionals alike. Is it truly the game's fault, or could there be other factors at play?
In a blog post, Cannon explained that the expansion from PC to console revealed consistent trends in player engagement. While 2XKO resonated with a passionate core audience, overall momentum fell short of expectations. This led to the difficult decision to downsize the team.
'This isn't a judgment on individual [employees] or a signal that the journey is over,' Cannon assured. 'We're reshaping the team to give 2XKO a more sustainable path forward.'
Riot Games is committed to supporting affected workers, offering to explore opportunities within the company and providing a minimum of six months' notice and severance pay.
The free-to-play fighting title launched in early access for PC in October 2025, with a console release following in January 2026. 2XKO has been in development since 2019, initially announced as Project L.
So, what do you think? Is this a fair assessment of the game's performance, or could there be other factors influencing this decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
