A few weeks after the release, Riot reduced the size of the 2XKO team, reportedly letting go of approximately 80 employees.
In a recent announcement, the company shared that after the expansion from PC to console, they observed how players interact with the game and noted that it “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.”
“With a smaller, focused team, we’re going to dig in and make key improvements to the game,” Riot further shares. The mentioned improvements are also said to include those anticipated by players. The company promises to share some of the plans in the near future.
The company noted that this decision represents a shift in its approach. “This isn’t a judgment on individual Rioters or a signal that the journey is over. We’re reshaping the team to give 2XKO a more sustainable path forward,” Riot says. The studio also acknowledged the years of creativity, care, and belief the developers invested in the project, noting that taking creative risks is challenging and that the work done on the game remains meaningful.
In a talk with PC Gamer, Riot said that about 80 roles are being eliminated, which is a little less than half of the 2XKO development team. The specific number remains unknown, as developers impacted by the cuts will have the opportunity to apply for other jobs at the company. Riot also said its plans for 2XKO’s 2026 Competitive Series remain unchanged.
