Riot Games Cuts Nearly 50% of 2XKO Team Amidst Declining Game Momentum

Riot Games Announces Layoffs for 2XKO Development Team

In a recent revelation, Riot Games has announced significant layoffs affecting the 2XKO development team. Just under a month after the new League of Legends-inspired 2v2 tag fighter had its early access launch on January 20, the company will be letting go of approximately 80 developers. This disheartening news was shared by the game’s executive producer, Tom Cannon.

Details of the Layoffs

While the official announcement refrains from specifying the exact number of layoffs, a report from Game Developer corroborated the figures, indicating that the layoffs account for nearly half of the initial development team. Cannon pointed out that although 2XKO enjoys a loyal player base, its overall performance has not sustained enough momentum to justify the current team size long-term.

Plans Moving Forward

“As we transitioned the game from PC to console, we noticed consistent player engagement trends with 2XKO, ”Cannon stated.“While we have a dedicated core community, the broader momentum has not aligned with our team’s needs.”

With the reduction in team size, Riot aims to streamline efforts to deliver essential game improvements that have been requested by players. Cannon reassured the community that further plans would be communicated soon.

In terms of future developments, Cannon affirmed that their strategy for the upcoming 2026 Competitive Series remains intact. He emphasized that this reorganization is intended to create a more sustainable future for 2XKO, and this decision does not reflect on the individual contributions of those laid off. Riot is actively seeking ways to support the affected developers during this transition.

Community Engagement and Next Steps

Cannon concluded by acknowledging the inevitable questions and concerns that would arise from such changes.“Your energy and support for the 2XKO community have inspired us, and we are committed to maintaining open communication as we navigate this new chapter, ” he expressed.“Thank you for your engagement and for being an integral part of this community.”

A Bright Future for 2XKO

Despite the current news, 2XKO had already made its mark as a standout title, having been featured on our list of the Best Fighting Games of 2025 during its early access phase. The game’s unique aesthetic brings a refreshing perspective to the long-standing League of Legends franchise and its iconic characters.

Industry Context

This announcement comes amid widespread layoffs in the video game industry, following a trend established in January that saw significant job cuts from major companies like Meta, Ubisoft, and Amazon.

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