2XKO team to downsize following lackluster launch

Riot Games will downsize the development team for free-to-play fighting game 2XKO after player engagement failed to reach the level needed to continue supporting a team of its size, the company said. Going forward, development will continue with a smaller team, focusing on “key improvements to the game, including some of the things we’ve already heard you asking for.” Impacted staff will either be offered other opportunities within Riot Games, or let go with at least six months severance.

2XKO first launched in Early Access for PC on October 7, 2025, followed by a full launch across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC on January 20, 2026.

Here is the full update from Riot Games’ Tom Cannon:

Hey Everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to share an important update on 2XKO. This is a difficult update to share, but we want to be clear about what’s changing and why.

What’s Changing and Why

After a lot of discussion and reflection, we are reducing the size of the 2XKO team.

I want you to know that decision wasn’t made lightly. As we expanded from PC to console, we saw consistent trends in how players were engaging with 2XKO. The game has resonated with a passionate core audience, but overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term.

With a smaller, focused team, we’re going to dig in and make key improvements to the game, including some of the things we’ve already heard you asking for. We’ll share some of our plans soon.

Our plans for the 2026 Competitive Series are unchanged. We remain committed to partnering with tournament organizers and local communities. Our focus will continue to be on supporting the events and organizers that already power the FGC.

Ultimately, this decision reflects a shift in how we operate. This isn’t a judgment on individual Rioters or a signal that the journey is over. We’re reshaping the team to give 2XKO a more sustainable path forward.

About the People Behind the Game

I want to be clear about something that matters deeply to me.

The people who helped ship 2XKO poured years of creativity, care, and belief into this game. Taking creative risks like this is hard, and the work they did is real and meaningful.

We’re committed to supporting impacted Rioters through this transition—including helping them explore opportunities within Riot where possible, and providing a minimum of six months of notice pay and severance where it’s not.

Going Forward

I know this update will raise questions and concerns. That’s understandable. We’ll continue communicating about how things are progressing.

In the journey so far we’ve been humbled and dazzled by the energy and passion you’ve brought to the 2XKO community. That energy matters, and it will help fuel us into this next chapter as we improve the game.

Thank you for playing 2XKO, for caring enough to ask hard questions, and for being part of this community.

—Tom Cannon