Riot Games Lays Off 80 2XKO Employees Shortly After Game Launch
Riot Games has announced significant layoffs within its 2XKO team, which follows the recent 1.0 launch of the game on January 20. According to a company blog post, approximately 80 employees, representing about half of the game’s development team, were let go.
Reasons Behind the Layoffs
The decision to reduce staff was explained by Riot as necessary for sustainability. Despite 2XKO having a dedicated fan base, overall momentum has not met expectations to justify a large team size. Tom Cannon, the executive producer of 2XKO, emphasized the need for a more focused team to facilitate essential improvements to the game.
Commitment to Game Development
- Riot intends to address community feedback and enhance gameplay.
- Plans for the 2026 Competitive Series remain unchanged.
Cannon reassured players that this staffing change does not indicate a lack of direction for the game or its community. He stated that the response to the game exhibited a passionate, though limited, engagement.
Support for Affected Employees
Riot is committed to assisting those who were laid off during this challenging transition. The company plans to provide a minimum of six months of severance pay and will facilitate opportunities for affected employees within the organization where possible.
Ensuring Community Engagement
Despite the layoffs, Riot reassured that it remains dedicated to supporting the community. This includes collaborating with tournament organizers and local fighting game communities to maintain engagement.
The decision to downsize the 2XKO team reflects shifts in team operations aimed at securing a sustainable future for the game.
