2XKO Downsized Development Team After Slower-Than-Expected Momentum
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2XKO Team Downsized After Performance Misses Expectations
After nearly a month on the market, 2XKO, the tag-based fighting game set in the League of Legends universe, has entered a period of internal restructuring. Despite strong brand recognition and early interest, the game did not generate the level of momentum Riot Games had originally projected.
As a result, Riot Games has officially confirmed a reduction in the size of the development team currently working on 2XKO.
Riot Confirms Internal Restructuring
In a statement published on the official blog, Tom Cannon, head of the 2XKO team, explained that after internal discussions, the studio decided to scale down the team to better match the game’s current trajectory. While player engagement has remained steady since the console launch last month, overall growth has plateaued and did not reach the studio’s initial targets.
According to Cannon, maintaining a large development team under these conditions was no longer necessary. A smaller, more focused team is expected to allow faster iteration, clearer priorities, and closer alignment with community feedback.
Impact on Staff and Ongoing Support
Riot confirmed that the restructuring does involve staff departures. Affected employees will receive compensation packages, and the company is also working to place some team members into alternative roles within Riot Games where possible.
Importantly, Riot emphasized that this change does not signal the end of support for 2XKO. Competitive initiatives, esports partnerships, and planned tournaments will continue as originally scheduled.
About 2XKO
2XKO is a free-to-play 2v2 fighting game where players control a duo consisting of a main fighter and an assist character. Tag mechanics allow seamless character switching, combo extensions, and strategic depth rarely seen in traditional fighters.
As a spin-off title, the roster features reimagined champions from the League of Legends universe, including characters such as Jinx, Yasuo, and Ahri, all redesigned with bespoke fighting game animations and move sets.
While its early performance may not have matched expectations, Riot’s commitment suggests that 2XKO still has room to evolve as the team refines its direction and responds to player feedback.
