Riot Games has announced a reduction in the workforce developing its new fighting game, 2XKO. The decision is attributed to the game’s engagement metrics not meeting the level expected to sustain the previous team size long-term.
In an update from Senior Producer Tom Cannon, Riot stated the move followed an evaluation of player engagement trends as 2XKO expanded from PC to console platforms. The company is reshaping the team to create what it describes as a “more sustainable path forward” for the project. The now smaller, focused team will work on key game improvements, with details to be shared at a later date.
Despite this internal restructuring, the company confirms its planned 2026 Competitive Series and support for community tournaments remain on track. All competitive initiatives, including partnerships with tournament organisers, are stated to be proceeding as planned.
“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,” said Tom Cannon. He clarified that the restructuring was not a judgment on individual team members, noting Riot was providing a minimum of six months’ notice pay and severance, as well as support in finding other roles within the company where possible.
The team reduction follows the launch in September 2025 of Riot’s First Impact programme, a sponsorship initiative designed to support the grassroots FGC (fighting game community) around 2XKO during its Early Access period. That programme funded 22 community-run events through the end of 2025 and was positioned as an initial step in building the title’s competitive structure. Riot had stated that feedback from First Impact would be used to shape the 2026 competitive calendar.
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