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.

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Tags: 2XKO

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