Riot Games lays off 80 2XKO developers weeks after console launch

Riot Games lays off 80 developers from 2XKO weeks after its console launch. The League of Legends fighting game, which took roughly a decade to develop, failed to gain enough momentum post-launch. Executive Producer Tom Cannon announced the shocking decision on February 9, 2026.

A Decade of Development Ends With Immediate Downsizing

2XKO represented Riot Games’ most ambitious fighting game venture in company history. The tag-team fighter entered early access on PC in October 2025, then launched full console versions on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S just weeks ago. Despite the massive investment, player engagement fell short of expectations. Tom Cannon wrote that as the team expanded from PC to console, they observed troubling patterns in player behavior.

The timing proves particularly devastating for affected developers. Many staff members worked on the project for an entire decade, only to face sudden layoffs before the console version stabilized. One developer shared they received just 30 minutes of notice after spending 12 years total at Riot Games.

The Momentum Problem Catches Everyone Off Guard

Riot’s official statement acknowledged harsh realities. “The game has resonated with a passionate core audience,” Cannon wrote, but added the crucial reason for cuts: “Overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term.” The franchise hoped console availability would blow open player bases. Instead, interest plateaued after launch week.

The console launch occurred January 20-21, 2026, meaning players had barely three weeks to assess the game before layoffs hit. Industry analysts speculate the fighting game market faced saturation from competitors like Tekken, Street Fighter, and Mortal Kombat. 2XKO’s unique two-versus-two tag mechanics, while innovative, apparently couldn’t overcome that competition.

What Happens to the Game Now

Riot Games insists 2XKO will continue receiving updates despite the reduced team. The publisher committed to “key improvements” the community has requested. Officials also promised to maintain FGC partnerships and support tournament organizers. The 2026 Competitive Series calendar remains unchanged, suggesting esports backing won’t diminish immediately.

Affected developers receive six months of notice pay and severance if not transitioned to other Riot projects. However, some employees report minimal transition opportunities given the layoff scale. The sudden cuts create immediate financial stress for workers expecting stable careers at the publisher.

What Went Wrong With 2XKO’s Launch Strategy

Multiple factors likely contributed to 2XKO’s disappointing reception. Fighting game newcomers face steep learning curves, potentially deterring casual console players. The tag-team mechanic, while refreshing, adds complexity that alienates fighting game traditionalists. Additionally, release timing coincided with holiday season fatigue for many gamers who had already committed to other titles.

PC early access since October 2025 may have also diluted console launch enthusiasm. Players who tested the game already knew whether they’d commit long-term. Thus, PS5 and Xbox audiences represented a smaller pool of fresh consumers. Analysts note that fighting games require years to build sustained communities, suggesting Riot’s expectations were unrealistic for month-one performance assessments.

Will This Decision Doom 2XKO’s Future

Despite layoffs, industry observers remain divided on 2XKO’s long-term viability. Smaller development teams have launched successful fighters before, proving size doesn’t guarantee success. However, maintaining competitive integrity and regular content updates becomes exponentially harder with half the staff. The reduced team must prioritize ruthlessly or risk losing remaining players to better-supported competitors.

Riot’s continued esports backing suggests faith remains in the franchise somehow. Yet questions loom about whether a skeleton crew can sustain seasonal content, fix emerging bugs, and balance gameplay simultaneously. Players who invested time and money in cosmetics now wonder if their passion was wasted. The coming months will determine if 2XKO’s story becomes a comeback tale or a cautionary tale about releasing fighting games in an oversaturated market.

Sources

• Game Developer – Reported Riot’s confirmation of approximately 80 layoffs from 2XKO team
• GameSpot – Detailed analysis of console launch performance and Tom Cannon’s official statement
• PC Gamer – Coverage of “overall momentum” quote and team restructuring details

Annabelle Ink

Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.