In a significant move that has caught the attention of many in the gaming community, Riot Games has announced a substantial reduction in the size of its 2XKO development team, impacting around 80 employees. This decision raises crucial questions about the viability of projects in the competitive gaming landscape.
According to a recent blog post by Tom Cannon, the executive producer for 2XKO, the downsizing was necessary due to the game not achieving the level of success required to sustain a team of this magnitude over the long haul. Cannon explained that while the game has developed a dedicated core following, it simply hasn't gained enough traction to justify maintaining such a large team.
Riot's spokesperson elaborated on the situation, revealing that nearly half of the global development team focused on 2XKO is affected by these layoffs. As Cannon noted, "As we transitioned from PC to console, we observed consistent trends in player engagement with 2XKO. Although it has resonated well with a passionate audience, the overall momentum hasn't reached the threshold necessary to support a sizeable team in the future."
This announcement reflects a broader shift in Riot's operational strategies. Cannon reassured stakeholders that this decision does not reflect poorly on the individual contributions of those laid off nor does it indicate the end of the game's journey. Instead, he stated, "We are restructuring the team to create a more sustainable route forward for 2XKO."
In a supportive gesture, Riot Games has pledged to assist impacted employees in finding new opportunities within the company whenever possible. They will also provide at least six months' notice along with severance packages to those affected, highlighting a commitment to their workforce during this transition.
The free-to-play fighting game first entered early access for PC in October 2025, with a subsequent console release occurring on January 20, 2026. Development for 2XKO began back in 2019, originally unveiled under the codename Project L, showcasing Riot’s ambition to expand beyond its flagship title, League of Legends.
But here's where it gets controversial: What does this downsizing mean for the future of other similar games in development? Will this trend continue as companies reassess their resources in pursuit of profitability? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this matter. Do you agree with Riot’s decision, or do you think they could have handled it differently? Share your perspective in the comments!
