Following the tepid reception of the no-cost fight-based video game 2XKO, Riot Games has made the decision to reduce the size of the development team working on the game. This decision comes as player engagement did not reach the necessary levels to warrant a team of the current size. Despite the downsizing, ongoing progress will proceed with a smaller set of individuals. The primary focus of this leaner team will include making key enhancements to the game experience in accordance to player feedback.
Personnel impacted by this reshuffle in the team may be directed to different roles within Riot Games. If that’s not an option, they will be let go with a notice period of at least six months. Originally, 2XKO was available only on PC in Early Access on October 7, 2025, followed by a full-scale launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series and PC on January 20, 2026.
Reflecting the announced changes, Tom Cannon had a heartfelt message to share about the updated trajectory for 2XKO. He articulated that this has been a difficult update to share and reached after careful contemplation. This decision isn’t indicative of failures on part of Riot employees, but rather, a pragmatic look at engagement trends post expansion to consoles.
2XKO has cultivated a dedicated audience, yet the overall momentum hasn’t met expectations to sustain a larger team. By leveraging a smaller team, the ambition is now to refine and make significant game improvements, responding to demands voiced by the player base. Promises of future plans for the upgrades have been made with further information to come in due course.
The previously scheduled 2026 Competitive Series remains as initially planned. Riot Games continues to prioritize partnerships with tournament organizers and local communities to reinforce its commitment to the Fighting Game Community (FGC).
This decision is just a transition and not indicative of an end. The goal is to give 2XKO a more viable way forward. Cannon applauded the creativity and dedication imparted in 2XKO by the team and assured his commitment to support all impacted by this decision, whether ameliorated in Riot or provided severance in absence.
While Cannon acknowledges possible concerns this development might raise, he affirmed Riot’s commitment to consistent communication regarding future steps. They have been deeply impressed by the community’s passion and that energy will be a crucial motivator for the upcoming phases of improvement. Standing before this new challenge, he thanked every player of 2XKO for being part of this journey.
Hey Everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share an important update on 2XKO. This is a difficult update to share, but we want to be clear about what’s changing and why.
What’s Changing and Why
After a lot of discussion and reflection, we are reducing the size of the 2XKO team.
I want you to know that decision wasn’t made lightly. As we expanded from PC to console, we saw consistent trends in how players were engaging with 2XKO. 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.
With a smaller, focused team, we’re going to dig in and make key improvements to the game, including some of the things we’ve already heard you asking for. We’ll share some of our plans soon.
Our plans for the 2026 Competitive Series are unchanged. We remain committed to partnering with tournament organizers and local communities. Our focus will continue to be on supporting the events and organizers that already power the FGC.
Ultimately, this decision reflects a shift in how we operate. This isn’t a judgment on individual Rioters or a signal that the journey is over. We’re reshaping the team to give 2XKO a more sustainable path forward.
About the People Behind the Game
I want to be clear about something that matters deeply to me.
The people who helped ship 2XKO poured years of creativity, care, and belief into this game. Taking creative risks like this is hard, and the work they did is real and meaningful.
We’re committed to supporting impacted Rioters through this transition—including helping them explore opportunities within Riot where possible, and providing a minimum of six months of notice pay and severance where it’s not.
Going Forward
I know this update will raise questions and concerns. That’s understandable. We’ll continue communicating about how things are progressing.
In the journey so far we’ve been humbled and dazzled by the energy and passion you’ve brought to the 2XKO community. That energy matters, and it will help fuel us into this next chapter as we improve the game.
Thank you for playing 2XKO, for caring enough to ask hard questions, and for being part of this community.
—Tom Cannon
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