Riot Games has initiated a significant round of layoffs within its 2XKO development team, coming just weeks after the fighting game’s full 1.0 debut on January 20. While the company’s official blog post remained vague regarding the scale of the cuts, a spokesperson confirmed to Game Developer that approximately 80 employees were let go—a figure representing roughly half of the total development staff.
Riot explained that while the title has successfully captured a dedicated core audience, the “overall momentum” has not scaled sufficiently to justify the costs of a large-scale team in the long run. Despite the workforce reduction, the studio emphasized its ongoing commitment to the project, promising continued technical refinements and support for both grassroots fighting game communities and major tournament organizers.
“After a lot of discussion and reflection, we are reducing the size of the 2XKO team,” wrote Executive Producer Tom Cannon. He noted that the decision was driven by data observed during the game’s expansion from PC to consoles. Cannon clarified that the restructuring is a strategic pivot rather than a reflection of individual performance or a sign that the game is being abandoned. “We’re reshaping the team to give 2XKO a more sustainable path forward,” he added, noting that a leaner, focused group will now tackle community-requested improvements.
Riot’s roadmap for the 2026 Competitive Series remains intact. To support those affected by the layoffs, the company is offering a minimum of six months of severance and notice pay, while also assisting displaced workers in finding new roles within the organization where possible.
Our thoughts go out to all the developers and families impacted by this news.
