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Riot Games has announced a major restructuring of the development team behind 2XKO, its League of Legends-themed free-to-play fighting game, just weeks after the full launch of Version 1.0 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on January 20, 2026. According to reports, approximately 80 employees—about half of the game’s original development team—were laid off as part of the changes.

In an official update, 2XKO’s executive producer Tom Cannon explained that while the game has connected with a dedicated core audience, its overall momentum has not reached the level needed to support a team of its original size long-term. Riot emphasized that the decision was made after careful reflection and is intended to reshape the team to give 2XKO a more sustainable path forward, rather than signal an end to the project.

Despite the layoffs, Riot assured players that key plans for 2XKO’s 2026 Competitive Series will continue as scheduled, and that improvements to the game—based on community feedback—remain a priority. Cannon also said the company plans to continue partnering with tournament organizers and local fighting game communities to support ongoing events.

Riot further noted that the layoffs are not a reflection on individual performance, and the company is offering support for impacted employees. This includes assistance in finding other opportunities within Riot where possible, as well as a minimum of six months of notice pay and severance support for those who cannot be reassigned.

Industry coverage describes this move as part of a broader trend among major gaming companies adjusting staff sizes when project engagement falls short of internal expectations. 2XKO’s relatively modest player engagement on consoles is cited as a key factor behind the restructuring.

References:
• Riot Games lays off roughly half of 2XKO team — Game Developer report
• Riot explains layoffs and sustainability focus — Riot Games official update
• Competitive plans and community support details — Gematsu coverage
• Trend context and player engagement factors — Helm News