2XKO Layoffs to Change Game

Drama

12 February 2026 12:51

TL;DR

Riot Games has reduced the development team behind 2XKO after the fighting game failed to meet internal performance expectations.
Around half of the approximately 160-person team has reportedly been laid off in a push toward long-term sustainability.

Riot Games has confirmed significant layoffs affecting the development team behind 2XKO, its highly anticipated entry into the fighting game genre. The move comes despite positive reception from competitive players and fighting game community veterans, highlighting the commercial pressures facing even technically strong esports titles.

2XKO has been positioned as Riot’s bold step into a new competitive arena. Built with input from experienced fighting game developers and backed by Riot’s esports pedigree, the project launched into early access with polished mechanics, fluid animation, and a clear focus on competitive depth.

However, strong gameplay fundamentals alone have not translated into the scale of success Riot had projected.

Tom Cannon, executive producer of 2XKO and a respected figure within the fighting game scene, addressed the restructuring in a public statement. He confirmed that the team had been reduced in size after the game did not reach performance levels necessary to support its original staffing scale.

Cannon noted that the title resonated "with a passionate core audience," but that the current team structure was not aligned with sustainable growth.

Reports indicate that roughly half of the development team, approximately 80 employees, were laid off. That suggests 2XKO began development with close to 160 staff members.

More:Riot Games Partners with Movember

Tags: 2XKO

Share:

Sources:

Report mistake Submit news

Related news

View All

2XKO Guidelines Revealed

Riot Games’ upcoming fighting game 2XKO, the company has officially opened the doors for community tournament organizers to get involved...

More

Aug 21, 2025

Valve Threatened to Pull Rainbow Six Siege From Steam in a Day

Is Steam becoming like App Store? We all use Steam daily, and it is great, but publishers side tells a...

Drama

Jun 02, 2026

NiP's Swedish Layoffs Are the Esports Money Problem Coming Home

Ninjas in Pyjamas laying off operational esports roles in Sweden. Which is what the esports profitability crisis looks like. Of...

Drama

Jun 01, 2026

Sweeney's Yacht Jab at Valve Backfired in About an Hour

A giant took a jab against another giant, that is the headline. Tim Sweeney taking a swing at Gabe Newell...

Drama

May 29, 2026

Subnautica 2 Made Krafton Pay the Bonus It Tried to Dodge

Under the sea, a lawsuit, a payout, an acquisition, and an AI chatbot, are in this story. Krafton forced to...

Drama

May 28, 2026

2XKO Layoffs to Change Game

Drama

12 February 2026 12:51

Tags: 2XKO

TL;DR

Riot Games has reduced the development team behind 2XKO after the fighting game failed to meet internal performance expectations.
Around half of the approximately 160-person team has reportedly been laid off in a push toward long-term sustainability.

Riot Games has confirmed significant layoffs affecting the development team behind 2XKO, its highly anticipated entry into the fighting game genre. The move comes despite positive reception from competitive players and fighting game community veterans, highlighting the commercial pressures facing even technically strong esports titles.

2XKO has been positioned as Riot’s bold step into a new competitive arena. Built with input from experienced fighting game developers and backed by Riot’s esports pedigree, the project launched into early access with polished mechanics, fluid animation, and a clear focus on competitive depth.

However, strong gameplay fundamentals alone have not translated into the scale of success Riot had projected.

Tom Cannon, executive producer of 2XKO and a respected figure within the fighting game scene, addressed the restructuring in a public statement. He confirmed that the team had been reduced in size after the game did not reach performance levels necessary to support its original staffing scale.

Cannon noted that the title resonated "with a passionate core audience," but that the current team structure was not aligned with sustainable growth.

Reports indicate that roughly half of the development team, approximately 80 employees, were laid off. That suggests 2XKO began development with close to 160 staff members.

More:Riot Games Partners with Movember

Share:

Sources:

Report mistake Submit news