In a nutshell

• Riot Games reduces the 2XKO team size to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Development will focus on key improvements requested by the community.
• The 2026 competitive series remains unchanged, with continued support for FGC events.

Riot Games has announced that the development team of 2XKO, its team-based fighting game, will be reduced in size, citing the need for a more sustainable path forward.

While the game has resonated with a passionate core audience, overall momentum has not reached the level required to support the current team structure.

Why the Change?

According to Riot, the decision was made after extensive reflection on player engagement trends across PC and console. With a smaller, focused team, the developers aim to deliver the improvements the community has been asking for, ensuring 2XKO continues to evolve meaningfully.

“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.”

2XKO Competitive Plans Unchanged

Despite the restructuring, Riot emphasized that its plans for the 2026 Competitive Series remain unchanged. The company reaffirmed its commitment to working with tournament organizers and local communities, ensuring that the fighting game community (FGC) continues to thrive with 2XKO at its center.

“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.“

Supporting Impacted Developers

Riot also highlighted its support for affected Rioters, offering a minimum of six months of notice pay and severance, along with opportunities to explore other roles within the company.