Why is Riot Games reducing the team working on 2XKO?

Riot Games is reducing the team size because the game's overall momentum has not reached the level needed to support a large team long-term, despite resonating with a passionate core audience.

How many employees are being laid off from the 2XKO development team?

Approximately 80 staffers, which is less than half of the 2XKO development team, are being impacted by these changes.

What support is Riot Games offering to affected 2XKO employees?

Affected staffers will receive assistance finding new jobs internally at Riot and, where that is not possible, six months of notice pay and severance.

Home / Technology / Riot Games Scales Back League of Legends Fighting Game

Riot Games Scales Back League of Legends Fighting Game

10 Feb

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Summary

Riot Games is reducing the size of the 2XKO development team.
The game's momentum did not meet expectations for a large team.
Affected staff will receive severance and assistance finding new roles.

Riot Games Scales Back League of Legends Fighting Game

Riot Games has begun reducing the size of the team dedicated to its free-to-play fighting game, 2XKO. Launched in early access on PC in October and recently on consoles, the game is now facing a shift in its development resources.

Executive producer Tom Cannon explained that the decision stems from player engagement trends observed as the game expanded from PC to console. He noted that while 2XKO resonates with a dedicated core audience, its overall momentum has not reached the threshold required for long-term support of the current team size. Consequently, the team is being reshaped for a more sustainable path forward.

Approximately 80 employees, making up less than half of the 2XKO development staff, are being impacted by these changes. Riot Games is providing support to affected staffers, including assistance in finding new internal positions or offering six months of notice pay and severance if external placement isn't possible. This move reflects Riot's broader strategy to focus more on its core live games and navigate the competitive market for live service titles.