Riot Games Downsizing 2XKO Team, Focus Shifts to Core Improvements

Riot Games has downsized the team working on its League of Legends-themed fighting game, 2XKO.

A blog post on February 9 revealed that the difficult decision to downsize the team was made in response to emerging trends: while the game has resonated with a core audience, momentum has stagnated, and Riot Games is unable to support a full-size team long-term.

The post states that, with the smaller, “focused” team, they will still make key improvements to the game, including items players have already requested. It is reiterated that this is a shift in how the development team will operate, not a sign that “the journey is over” for the 2XKO team.

Furthermore, it was noted in the blog, which was penned by 2XKO executive producer Tom Cannon, that Riot Games will be supporting the staff members through their transition, helping them explore other opportunities within the company where possible, and providing a minimum of 6 months of notice pay and severance where it’s not.

Game Developer reports that a Riot Games spokesperson noted that approximately 80 staff members were laid off, about half of the development team.

This is a developing story and will be updated shortly.