Riot Games Cuts 80 Jobs from 2XKO Team
Riot Games has announced significant layoffs, cutting approximately 80 jobs within its 2XKO team. This news was shared through a blog post by Tom Cannon, the executive producer for 2XKO. The layoffs represent about half of the entire global development team dedicated to this League of Legends-themed fighting game.
Reasons for the Layoffs
The decision comes as player engagement has not met expectations since the game’s launch. Cannon stated that while 2XKO has developed a passionate core audience, overall player momentum has been insufficient to sustain a large team. He noted a decline in engagement as the game transitioned from PC to console platforms.
Development History of 2XKO
The making of 2XKO was a lengthy process, spanning a decade. Riot Games acquired Radiant Entertainment, a studio founded by Tom and Tony Cannon, in 2016 to further develop this fighting game.
Future Support for 2XKO
- Despite the layoffs, Riot Games will not discontinue support for 2XKO.
- The company plans to continue working on key improvements with a smaller, more focused team.
- Riot will maintain partnerships with fighting game community (FGC) tournament organizers and local communities.
Support for Affected Employees
Employees affected by the layoffs will have the opportunity to apply for other positions within Riot Games. For those unable to secure a new role, the company is offering a severance package that includes a minimum of six months’ pay.
This restructuring reflects Riot’s approach to ensure a more sustainable future for 2XKO, aiming to adapt to changing player dynamics and market conditions.
