Riot Games Cuts Half of 2XKO Development Team
Riot Games has made a significant staffing cut, impacting its development team for the fighting game 2XKO. The company announced that around 80 employees, approximately half of the development team, would be laid off as part of this restructuring.
Reason Behind the Layoffs at Riot Games
A representative from Riot Games confirmed the reduction in workforce. They stated that the decision stemmed from an analysis of player engagement trends following the game’s console launch last month. Tom Cannon, the executive producer, noted that while 2XKO has a dedicated player base, it has not gained the overall momentum necessary to justify a large team.
Future Plans Amid Job Cuts
Despite the layoffs, Riot Games plans to continue its trajectory in competitive gaming. Cannon stated that the plans for the 2026 competitive season remain unchanged. Additionally, Riot is exploring opportunities to reassign affected employees within the company whenever feasible.
Summary of Key Information
- Company: Riot Games
- Game: 2XKO
- Jobs Cut: Approximately 80
- Percentage of Team Affected: About 50%
- Launch Platform: Console (launch last month)
- Future Plans: Unchanged for the 2026 competitive season
The gaming industry continues to experience shifts, as demonstrated by Riot Games’ decision. The hope is to streamline operations while maintaining a focus on competitive gaming.
