Riot Games announced a significant reduction in the 2XKO development team, affecting around 80 employees worldwide. The decision comes less than a month after the official launch of the fighting game, which took place on January 20, 2026. Executive producer Tom Cannon communicated the measure in an official publication, highlighting that the title gained a dedicated base, but did not reach the volume necessary to maintain the current structure.
The company chose to form a smaller, more focused team to implement improvements to the game. Impacted professionals will have priority in open internal vacancies at Riot Games. Caso are not reassigned, they will receive a severance package with at least six months’ salary.
Restructuring reflects internal adjustments to align resources with the long-term demands of the project. Riot reinforced its commitment to continuing support for the title.
Official announcement details
Tom Cannon, present in the project since its origins, explained that the choice resulted from detailed analyzes of initial performance. The free fighting game, based on the universe of League of Legends, received positive feedback from players dedicated to the genre.
However, general engagement indicators did not justify maintaining a large global team. The transition to a reduced group aims to speed up decisions and prioritize essential updates.
Affected developers are supported by the company during the transition process. Riot maintains hundreds of vacancies open in other areas, such as League of Legends and Valorant.
2XKO development history
The 2XKO project began in 2016, with roots in the game Rising Thunder, created by Radiant Entertainment. Riot Games acquired the studio that year to incorporate expertise in fighting games.
The original proposal prioritized accessible commands and simplified mechanics to attract a variety of audiences. Over the years, the title has evolved with the inclusion of deeper systems, such as tag team and assistance between characters.
- Public revelation took place in 2019 during the Evo, the main tournament of its kind.
- Alpha testing phases began in 2024, with limited player participation.
- Demo versions were made available at in-person and online events.
- Global launch took place in January 2026 for PC and consoles.
Development spanned a decade, involving teams distributed across different regions.
Main gameplay features
2XKO adopts a duo format, allowing players to control two characters simultaneously. Quick Troca between fighters and assists create strategic combinations during fights.
The initial roster includes familiar champions from League of Legends, each with moves adapted to the fighting genre. Sistemas controls offer simplified options for beginners and advanced commands for experienced competitors.
Online matches feature netcode rollback, technology that minimizes delays in distant connections. Modos include ranked, casual and detailed training to practice combos.
Plans for future updates
Riot Games confirmed that 2XKO will receive additional content in the coming months. Novo champion is scheduled to join the roster in an upcoming update, accompanied by general balances.
Seasonal Battle Pass introduces cosmetic rewards and independent payout progression. Competitive Eventos remain planned, with a focus on regional and international tournaments.
The reduced team will focus efforts on fixing bugs reported by the community. Melhorias in the interface and matchmaking also appear as immediate priorities.
Repercussions on the fighting game scene
The fighting game genre maintains an active community on digital platforms and in-person events. Free Títulos like 2XKO compete directly with established productions, requiring constant player retention.
Independent developers and large studios invest in accessibility to expand audiences. Regular Atualizações and support for esports represent decisive factors for the longevity of new releases.
2XKO enters a market that values innovation in mechanics and character diversity. The initial fan base of League of Legends offers potential for organic growth.
Support for affected professionals
Riot Games implemented measures to minimize impacts on terminated employees. Prioridade in internal selection processes facilitates relocation to stable company projects.
Severance package includes payment equivalent to at least six months’ salary. Benefícios additional covers psychological support and professional guidance during transition.
The company maintains a tradition of offering above-average conditions in restructuring situations. Profissionais with a long history in the project receive special attention in the process.
Current game structure
2XKO operates on a free-to-play model, with monetization limited to cosmetic items. Personagens remain accessible without mandatory purchases, following the pattern adopted in other Riot titles.
Global servers guarantee matches at different times and regions. Sistema of progression rewards time invested with gradual unlocks.
Active community discusses strategies in specialized forums and networks. Torneios community members have already registered increasing participation since the launch.
Next steps announced
Tom Cannon promised detailed communication about the roadmap in the coming days. Atualizações will include a schedule of new content and adjustments based on feedback collected.
Remaining staff will work closely with players to refine experience. Public Testes must return in extended format to validate changes.
Riot Games reaffirms its long-term position in the fighting genre. Investimentos in technology and design remain focused on the title.
