Riot Games has made a swift and drastic adjustment to its 2XKO development team, cutting nearly half of the staff just three weeks after the game’s full release. The decision reflects a reassessment of player adoption and long-term viability, with the studio now focusing on a smaller, more streamlined team to refine the title based on early feedback.
While the game has attracted a dedicated core audience, internal analysis suggests broader momentum hasn’t met expectations necessary to sustain a team of its current size. In an announcement, Riot’s executive producer emphasized that the reduced team will prioritize key improvements—including player-requested changes—with further details expected soon.
A decade in the making, but not the breakout hit?
2XKO’s journey began nearly a decade ago, with its origins tracing back to Riot’s 2016 acquisition of Radiant Entertainment, the studio behind Rising Thunder. After a brief closed beta and early access phase, the game officially launched on January 20, 2026. Yet, despite its long development cycle, the post-launch numbers appear insufficient to justify the original team size.
The cuts—estimated at around 80 roles—mark the latest in Riot’s ongoing restructuring efforts. Two years ago, the company shuttered its Riot Forge program and laid off 530 employees, citing underperforming bets since 2019. More layoffs followed in late 2024, though League of Legends’ development team was spared, with plans to expand it further as the franchise prepares for a major overhaul in 2027.
What’s next for 2XKO—and Riot’s future?
For now, the 2026 Competitive Series for 2XKO remains on track, but the team’s drastic reduction signals a pivot toward sustainability over rapid expansion. Meanwhile, Riot’s focus appears to be shifting back to its flagship franchise, with League of Legends undergoing significant updates aimed at modernizing the experience for both casual and competitive players.
Whether 2XKO can recover with a leaner team—or if it will become another experimental project scaled back—remains an open question. One thing is clear: Riot is doubling down on what it believes will drive long-term success.
