Riot Lays Off 80 Developers Shortly After Decade-Long Fighting Game Release
Riot Games, known for its flagship titles, has recently announced significant layoffs within its development team shortly after the release of its long-awaited fighting game, 2XKO. This news comes just three weeks following the game’s launch on consoles, which occurred in January 2026.
Overview of 2XKO Development
Initially revealed as Project L in 2019, 2XKO saw nearly a decade of development leading up to its early access on PC in late 2025. Insights from Patrick Miller, a senior producer at Riot, suggest that the lengthy development process was essential for delivering a high-quality fighting game. He emphasized the importance of learning from over 30 years of fighting game history to ensure 2XKO’s success.
Key Development Insights
- Initial announcement: 2019
- Early access release: Late 2025
- Console launch date: January 2026
- Duration of development: Nearly 10 years
Miller pointed out that creating a successful fighting game often requires significant time investment, using the example of the Tekken franchise, which produced multiple iterations before reaching its latest version.
Recent Layoffs at Riot Games
In a surprising turn of events, Riot has disclosed plans to lay off approximately 80 developers from the 2XKO team. The company stated that while the game has garnered a dedicated audience, it hasn’t achieved the momentum necessary to sustain a team of this size in the long term.
Details on the Layoff Announcement
Despite the developmental efforts, Riot expressed disappointment regarding the player base’s size. It became clear that the current audience was insufficient compared to the company’s expectations. This revelation came shortly after Miller himself announced on social media that he was among those affected by the layoffs.
Support for Affected Employees
- Job transfer opportunities within Riot available for laid-off developers.
- Six months of notice pay and severance for those unable to find new roles.
While the game continues to receive support, this development raises questions about the future of 2XKO and the direction Riot Games will take in the rapidly evolving gaming industry.
