Riot Games, the renowned developer behind the immensely popular League of Legends, has made a significant decision that has left many in the gaming industry stunned. In a recent announcement, the company revealed that it is laying off approximately 80 employees from the 2XKO team, a League of Legends-themed fighting game that has been in development for over a decade. This move has sparked intense discussions and raised questions about the future of the game and the broader gaming industry.
In a blog post penned by 2XKO executive producer Tom Cannon, the company shared the news, explaining that they are 'reducing the size of the 2XKO team.' This decision comes as a result of sluggish player engagement with the freshly-released fighting game. While the game has resonated with a passionate core audience, the overall momentum has not yet reached the level needed to sustain a team of this size long-term.
The development of 2XKO has been a long and arduous journey. In 2016, Riot Games acquired Radiant Entertainment, a fighting game studio founded by Tom and Tony Cannon. The team spent a decade iterating on the game that would eventually become 2XKO, showcasing the dedication and effort put into its creation.
Despite the layoffs, Riot Games has assured the gaming community that they are not discontinuing support for the game. With a smaller, focused team, they will continue to work on key improvements and maintain their partnership with fighting game community (FGC) tournament organizers and local communities. This strategic shift aims to give 2XKO a more sustainable path forward.
Riot Games has also shown compassion towards the impacted workers, offering them the opportunity to apply for jobs elsewhere within the company. For those who cannot find other positions, the company will provide a minimum of 6 months' pay and severance, ensuring a safety net during this challenging transition period.
This development serves as a reminder of the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the gaming industry. While it may be a setback for the 2XKO team, it also presents an opportunity for the company to refocus its efforts and potentially emerge with a stronger, more sustainable vision for the game.
