A difficult decision has been made by Riot Games, impacting the future of their fighting game, 2XKO. The game's development team has been downsized, affecting around 80 dedicated employees. But here's where it gets controversial: the reason given is that the game hasn't met the necessary level of success to sustain such a large team.
In a blog post by 2XKO's Executive Producer, Tom Cannon, he explains that the game has found its passionate core audience, but overall, it hasn't gained enough traction to support the team's long-term goals. Cannon writes, "As we expanded to consoles, we noticed consistent trends in player engagement. While 2XKO has its loyal fans, the overall momentum wasn't enough to justify the team's size."
This decision is a tough pill to swallow, especially for those affected. However, Riot Games is committed to supporting its employees during this transition. A spokesperson for the company told Game Developer that almost half of the global development team has been impacted. Riot plans to assist affected workers by exploring internal opportunities and providing a minimum of six months' notice and severance pay.
The free-to-play fighting game, 2XKO, launched in early access for PC in October 2025 and later released on consoles in January 2026. The game has been in development since 2019, initially announced as Project L.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the game's success. It's about the impact on the lives and careers of those affected. While the game may not have reached its full potential, the skills and dedication of the team are undeniable.
What do you think? Is it fair to downsize a team based on a game's performance? Or should companies find other ways to adapt and support their employees? Share your thoughts in the comments; we'd love to hear your perspective on this challenging situation.
