What's Happening?
Riot Games has announced a reduction in the size of its 2XKO development team, affecting approximately 80 employees. The decision comes as the game, initially launched in early access for PC in October 2025 and later for consoles in January 2026, has not achieved the momentum needed to sustain its current team size. According to Tom Cannon, the executive producer of 2XKO, the game has a dedicated core audience, but overall engagement has not met expectations. Riot Games plans to assist affected employees by exploring other opportunities within the company and providing a minimum of six months' notice and severance pay.
Why It's Important?
The downsizing at Riot Games highlights the challenges faced by game developers in maintaining large teams for projects that
do not meet commercial expectations. This move reflects a broader industry trend where companies must balance creative ambitions with financial realities. The decision to downsize also underscores the volatility of the gaming industry, where even established companies like Riot Games must adapt to changing market dynamics. For the affected employees, this development presents both challenges and opportunities as they navigate the job market, potentially leading to shifts in talent distribution within the industry.
What's Next?
Riot Games' decision to downsize the 2XKO team suggests a strategic pivot towards ensuring the game's sustainability. The company may focus on refining the game's features and marketing strategies to better engage its audience. Additionally, the affected employees will likely seek new roles within Riot Games or elsewhere in the industry, potentially leading to talent redistribution. The gaming community and industry observers will be watching closely to see how Riot Games manages this transition and whether 2XKO can achieve greater success with a streamlined team.
