Riot Games reduces 2XKO team size after momentum concerns

Riot's fighting game 2XKO will continue development with a smaller team after player engagement fell short of expectations. The 2026 Competitive Series remains on track, but affected staff get 6 months' severance pay.

Riot Games is reducing the size of its 2XKO development team after the fighting game's momentum failed to meet expectations, according to Tom Cannon's update to the community. The decision comes as 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," Cannon explained.

Why the team is being reduced

The reduction follows consistent trends Riot observed as 2XKO expanded from PC to console platforms. Whilst the fighting game community has shown passion for the title, broader player engagement hasn't reached the levels necessary to sustain the current team size.

"After a lot of discussion and reflection, we are reducing the size of the 2XKO team," Cannon stated. "That decision wasn't made lightly." The company plans to operate with a smaller, focused team that will "dig in and make key improvements to the game, including some of the things we've already heard you asking for."

Competitive series continues as planned

Despite the team reduction, Riot's commitment to 2XKO's competitive future remains unchanged. "Our plans for the 2026 Competitive Series are unchanged," Cannon confirmed. The company will continue partnering with tournament organisers and local communities, focusing on supporting existing events and organisers within the fighting game community.

This approach aligns with the broader esports ecosystem where publishers work directly with established tournament circuits to maintain competitive scenes for their games.

Support for impacted employees

Riot Games has outlined comprehensive support for affected team members. The company is "committed to supporting impacted Rioters through this transition," including helping them explore internal opportunities within Riot where possible.

Where internal roles aren't available, affected employees will receive "a minimum of 6 months of notice pay and severance." Cannon emphasised that the reduction "isn't a judgment on individual Rioters or a signal that the journey is over," but rather represents "a shift in how we operate" to give 2XKO "a more sustainable path forward."

What happens next

The smaller team will focus on implementing key improvements to 2XKO based on community feedback. Riot plans to share details of these improvements soon, though specific changes weren't outlined in the announcement.

Cannon acknowledged that the update would "raise questions and concerns" and committed to continued communication about the game's progress. The company maintains that this restructuring represents a strategic shift rather than an end to 2XKO's development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 2XKO team being reduced?

The game's overall momentum hasn't reached the level needed to support a team of its original size long term, despite resonating with a passionate core audience, according to Tom Cannon.

Will the 2XKO Competitive Series still happen?

Yes, Riot Games has stated that plans for the 2026 Competitive Series are unchanged, and they remain committed to partnering with tournament organisers.

What will happen to the impacted Rioters?

Riot Games is committed to supporting impacted employees, including helping them explore internal opportunities and providing a minimum of 6 months of notice pay and severance where internal roles are not possible.

Is 2XKO being cancelled?

No, Tom Cannon stated this "isn't a signal that the journey is over" but rather a shift to give 2XKO "a more sustainable path forward" with continued development.

When will we know about the planned improvements?

Riot Games said they will "share some of our plans soon" regarding key improvements to 2XKO based on community feedback, though no specific timeline was provided.