Riot Games announces layoffs on the 2XKO team, but confirms long-term commitment

Just a few weeks after its official launch, Riot Games’ fighting game is already facing turbulence. Executive Producer Tom Cannon announced on Monday, February 9, 2026, a reduction in the size of the development team of 2XKO in order to find a more “sustainable” model, while confirming that the global competitive circuit will be fully maintained.

It is a mixed signal for the Fighting Game Community, which has barely come off the first Major of the year and is now seeing the North American publisher report disappointing results. With the message, “After a lot of discussion and reflection, we are reducing the size of the 2XKO team,” Riot Games, through its executive producer, officially confirmed a layoff affecting its teams. On X, around fifteen employees announced that they had been laid off by Riot. Alex Jaffe, Lead Champion Designer, was also let go

The title, officially released on January 20 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, with a 12-champion roster including the Sheriff of Piltover, Caitlyn, Jinx, Warwick, Illaoi, and more... Since its release, the game has also ranked among the top three on the Play Store.

Despite the enthusiasm generated by Season 1 and testing phases followed since August 2025, the commercial momentum appears to be slowing. According to Tom Cannon, while a strong core player base is present, overall traction is not sufficient: “The game has resonated with a passionate core audience, but overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term,” he explains. This announcement echoes the difficulties of last summer, when the game’s co-developer, Demiurge Studios, had already gone through a round of layoffs, even though 2XKO was not yet in beta. In mid-January, Riot had already scaled back its ambitions, reducing the 2026 plan from five seasons to three, possibly in anticipation of the layoffs, while reaffirming its goal of releasing five new champions.

However, Riot Games refuses to frame this as a step backward. “This isn’t a judgment on individual Rioters or a signal that the journey is over,” the statement reads. As proof of its long-term commitment, the publisher confirms that it is maintaining the schedule for the 2XKO Competitive Series revealed at the end of January. Tom Cannon adds that Riot will “remain committed to partnering with tournament organizers and local communities,” noting that their “focus will continue to be on supporting the events and organizers that already power the FGC.” The global circuit will notably stop at all three EVO events this year, Japan, Las Vegas, and France, where 2XKO will stand alongside other major titles in the same events, a departure from Riot’s usual preference to keep tighter control.

By reducing the size of the team, Riot hopes to gain agility in implementing player feedback. While the studio has confirmed financial support for departing employees, including six months’ notice and severance, the objective is now to ensure the game’s long-term future with a leaner structure. Aware of the concerns this news may raise, the executive producer concluded on a reassuring note: “I know this update will raise questions and concerns. That’s understandable. We’ll continue communicating about how things are progressing.”