Riot Games recently laid off approximately 80 employees from the 2XKO development team, representing nearly half of its global workforce on this project. The decision comes amidst challenges in sustaining player engagement and momentum, despite the game resonating well with a dedicated core audience.
2XKO, a League of Legends-themed fighting game, has been in development since Riot’s acquisition of Radiant Entertainment in 2016. After releasing in early access for PC in October 2025 and expanding to consoles by January 2026, the game has not achieved the player momentum necessary to justify its current team size. Executive producer Tom Cannon emphasized the need for this restructuring to ensure the game’s long-term viability.
The affected employees will receive severance packages, including a minimum of six months’ pay, and will have the opportunity to apply for other roles within Riot Games. Meanwhile, Riot plans to continue the development of 2XKO with a more focused and smaller team, maintaining plans for its 2026 Competitive Series and sustaining partnerships with the fighting game community.

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Riot Games laid off approximately 80 employees (nearly half) from the 2XKO fighting game development team due to insufficient player engagement and momentum. Despite resonating with a core audience, the League of Legends-themed fighter hasn't achieved the traction needed to justify its team size since launching in early access in October 2025. Affected employees receive minimum six months' severance and can apply for other Riot positions. Development continues with a smaller, focused team, with competitive plans for 2026 remaining intact.

Riot Games Reduces 2XKO Development Team Following Low Player Engagement