{"id":23181,"date":"2026-02-12T16:04:43","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T16:04:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/esportsnewsnetwork.net\/?p=23181"},"modified":"2026-02-12T16:04:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T16:04:43","slug":"2xko-what-the-layoffs-mean-for-the-fighter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/esportsnewsnetwork.net\/?p=23181","title":{"rendered":"2XKO: What the layoffs mean for the fighter"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/What-the-Recent-Layoffs-Mean-for-the-Future-of-2XKO-large.jpg?resize=1024%2C585&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Ekko sits with his head lowered in a reflective moment, symbolizing uncertainty around recent 2XKO layoffs and the game\u2019s future.\" class=\"wp-image-240308\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ekko from the 2XKO cinematic trailer, looking down and  defeated. Image credit: Riot Games<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"tldr\">\n<div class=\"tldr__heading\">\n<h2>TL;DR<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Riot Games has announced major layoffs to the 2XKO team, citing that the game failed to meet the expectations required to maintain the team\u2019s size.<\/li>\n<li>Roughly half the team (80 members) have been laid off, while the remaining team members continue to work on the project.<\/li>\n<li>2XKO is a well-made, watchable fighter, and Riot is continuing to focus on esports, where it can still thrive.<\/li>\n<li>With 10 years of development and only 12 characters, the game likely didn\u2019t launch with enough content to bring in major audiences from LoL.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>2XKO is Riot Games\u2019 foray into the fighting game community, a project that has been in the works for some time. Since its early access began, it is clear that Riot has made a mechanically sound, smooth, and stylish fighting game, and that has only improved since the 2XKO release date.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>As far as the <a href=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/esports-titles\/fgc\">fighting game community<\/a> is concerned, Riot Games has a gem on its hands, something with the mechanical basis to sustain an esports presence and longevity. Unfortunately, it hasn\u2019t been the success that Riot had hoped for, and has led to a brutal decision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/2026\/02\/riot-games-2xko-layoffs\">2XKO has suffered layoffs<\/a>, but why is this the case, and what will that mean for the fighter going forward?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-heading \">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why are there 2XKO layoffs?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Why-are-there-2XKO-layoffs-large.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Ekko and Ahri face a towering beast with glowing red eyes in a dark scene, symbolizing the challenges behind the 2XKO layoffs.\" class=\"wp-image-240311\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ekko, Warwick, and Ahri in the 2XKO cinematic trailer. Image credit: Riot Games<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>Despite positive reception from the fighting game community, Tom Cannon, the executive producer of 2XKO, released a statement revealing that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.riotgames.com\/en\/news\/an-update-on-2xko\">the 2XKO team had been reduced<\/a>. This is due to the game not reaching the levels required for a team that size, despite resonating \u2018<em>with a passionate core audience.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>The goal seems to be sustainability, something that isn\u2019t possible with the current size of the team. It has been revealed that this downsizing has been a major one, with around half the development team, around 80 employees, having been laid off.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>This might be part of the issue, as that means the 2XKO team began with roughly 160 developers. While this isn\u2019t a massive team by any means, it feels quite large for what 2XKO ultimately became. For context, in 2024, Arc System Works had a total of 233, which famously includes the developers of Team Red and Blue, as well as non-developer staff, and is a fighting game studio with immense pedigree.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-heading \">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Were the 2XKO layoffs inevitable?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Were-the-2XKO-layoffs-inevitable-large.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Ahri clashes with Ekko in a vibrant 2XKO arena scene, representing tension and debate over whether the recent layoffs were unavoidable.\" class=\"wp-image-240309\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">2XKO competitive skin bundle \u2018Frame Perfect\u2019 promotional art. Image credit: Riot Games<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>As shocking as the 2XKO layoffs are, it wasn\u2019t as though the game\u2019s development was smooth. Gameplay for the title was first revealed in late 2019, and with the game\u2019s full release in early 2026, some say they worked on it for 10 years. This is a long development cycle for a fighting game, especially with one as light as 2XKO with a team of around 160 employees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>2XKO only started looking like the game we know today around four years ago, despite a potentially 10-year development cycle. While the quality of the final product is admirable, a relatively smooth development cycle shouldn\u2019t have taken this long, and it has meant that Riot has invested heavily in the game.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>Putting such a heavy investment into a fighting game was always going to be tough. The fighting game genre has a mix of heavy competition, with many long-lived IPs, and a niche playerbase, meaning there aren\u2019t many players compared to shooters, for instance, and it isn\u2019t friendly to new IPs. With a team of roughly 160, working for 10 years, it was always going to be tough to get the investment back at launch with a free-to-play title.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>The marketing, in hindsight, was a bit strange too, considering how there didn\u2019t feel like a big bang for the release. The difference between early access and Day 1 wasn\u2019t the most noteworthy, and perhaps delaying Warwick and Teemo\u2019s release until the full release might have generated more buzz.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-heading \">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Was 2XKO enough at launch?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>The layoffs were announced soon after launch, and while 2XKO has done about as well as a new fighting game IP can realistically hope to with its marketing and roster, appealing to a niche core, it wasn\u2019t enough for Riot Games. Questions then arise about whether Riot Games\u2019 expectations were realistic, considering the genre and product produced.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>For 10 years, with a team of 160, the game itself doesn\u2019t offer a lot either. There are currently 12 2XKO characters, a relatively small roster, <a href=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/dragon-ball-fighterz-vs-2kxo\">especially compared to a spin-off tag fighter like Dragon Ball FighterZ<\/a>. There isn\u2019t a story mode, and not much of an arcade-style mode, two modes casuals typically start with when getting into a fighting game.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>Considering that 2XKO is the <a href=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/esports-titles\/moba\/lol\">League of Legends<\/a> fighting game, the small roster doesn\u2019t help its case either, as the LoL cast is massive. <a href=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/lol-characters-we-want-in-2kxo\">A bigger roster<\/a> would have helped the game appeal to the LoL audience, which was needed for greater impact. Riot Games\u2019 goal with 2XKO has clearly been its competitive and esports side, but this isn\u2019t where fighting games get big player numbers from.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>The casual playerbase, that enjoys dabbling in vs AI and maybe some unranked matches, comes in with a bang, then leaves maybe a month after launch, but often makes fighting game launches look impressive. The ones that stick around are the competitive fans, and even the biggest fighting games don\u2019t have massive player numbers. For instance, Street Fighter 6 peaked at around 70K concurrent players, but was down to 38K less than a month later, and now has <a href=\"https:\/\/steamdb.info\/app\/1364780\/charts\/#max\">a daily peak of around 30K<\/a> according to SteamDB.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-heading \">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does the future of 2XKO look like?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/What-does-the-future-of-2XKO-look-like-large.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Official 2XKO Competitive Series 2026 roadmap graphic showing Majors and Challengers events, highlighting the planned future of the game\u2019s esports scene.\" class=\"wp-image-240310\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">2XKO Esports calendar. Image Credit: Riot Games<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>The 2XKO layoffs are a major blow. There\u2019s no way around it, but claims that 2XKO is dead feel far-fetched. One major advantage Riot Games still has is that its fighting game is very well made. It\u2019s stylish, fast, watchable, and it feels great to play. This isn\u2019t a title people in the fighting game community feel lukewarm about, like how many FPS fans feel <a href=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/2026\/02\/highguard-wildlight-entertainment-layoffs\">lukewarm about Highguard<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>2XKO esports success is still on the cards, especially with how recognisable the cast is and how watchable the game is. Riot Games has already got its foot in the fighting game esports door, so potential remains for success on the competitive side, but fighting game esports doesn\u2019t have the same money behind it that Riot might be used to with <a href=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/esports-titles\/shooters\/valorant\">VALORANT<\/a> and League of Legends.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>We will have to wait for more information, but the downsizing likely means that the 2XKO roster will see fewer frequent additions than initially planned. Given that 2XKO feels like a success from a purely mechanical standpoint, it almost seems like Riot had unrealistic expectations for a fighting game. It\u2019s a niche genre, with a lot of competition, and 2XKO\u2019s future likely hinges on how well it does competitively.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-heading \">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>The 2XKO layoffs are a huge shame, and it is such a tough situation for those who have lost their job, but this does not seem like the end for Riot\u2019s fighter. It is well-made, great fun, and its stylish watchability gives it a great shot at a modicum of esports success, granted Riot Games keeps its expectations realistic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n<p>Ultimately, 2XKO is a good fighting game, and provided those who remain in the team can continue to improve it, it could be a great one with plenty of life, especially competitively. Hopefully, Riot Games is willing to stick it out with 2XKO, although it currently remains another brutal and sad story in the gaming industry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"esi-heading \">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"frequently-asked-questions\">\n<div class=\"frequently-asked-questions__item\">\n<div class=\"frequently-asked-questions__question\">\n<h3>Why has Riot Games laid off the 2XKO team?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"frequently-asked-questions__answer\">\n<p>Tom Cannon, the Executive Producer of 2XKO, revealed that the team has been downscaled because <em>\u2018momentum hasn\u2019t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"frequently-asked-questions__item\">\n<div class=\"frequently-asked-questions__question\">\n<h3>How many people have been laid off from the 2XKO team?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"frequently-asked-questions__answer\">\n<p>According to a spokesperson from Riot Games, who informed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gamedeveloper.com\/business\/riot-games-lays-off-roughly-80-employees-from-2xko-team\">Game Developer<\/a>, roughly 80 employees were laid off, around half the team.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"frequently-asked-questions__item\">\n<div class=\"frequently-asked-questions__question\">\n<h3>When was 2XKO released?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"frequently-asked-questions__answer\">\n<p>2XKO was released on January 20, 2026, after an extensive early access campaign.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"frequently-asked-questions__item\">\n<div class=\"frequently-asked-questions__question\">\n<h3>Who are the playable 2XKO characters?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"frequently-asked-questions__answer\">\n<p>There are currently 12 playable 2XKO champions: Ahri, Blitzcrank, Braum, Caitlyn, Darius, Ekko, Illaoi, Jinx, Teemo, Vi, Warwick, and Yasuo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"references\">\n<div class=\"references__heading\">\n<h2>REFERENCES<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.riotgames.com\/en\/news\/an-update-on-2xko\">An Update on 2XKO<\/a>\u00a0(Riot Games)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/steamdb.info\/app\/1364780\/charts\/#max\">Street Fighter<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/72x72\/2122.png?ssl=1\" alt=\"\u2122\" class=\"wp-smiley\" \/> 6 Steam Charts<\/a>\u00a0(SteamDB)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gamedeveloper.com\/business\/riot-games-lays-off-roughly-80-employees-from-2xko-team\">Riot Games lays off roughly 80 employees from 2XKO team<\/a>\u00a0(Game Developer)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/2xko-what-layoffs-mean\">2XKO: What the layoffs mean for the fighter<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/\">Esports Insider<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/What-the-Recent-Layoffs-Mean-for-the-Future-of-2XKO-large.jpg?ssl=1\" title=\"2XKO: What the layoffs mean for the fighter\" \/><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>Ekko from the 2XKO cinematic trailer, looking down and defeated. Image credit: Riot Games TL;DR Riot Games has announced major layoffs to the 2XKO team, <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/esportsnewsnetwork.net\/?p=23181\" title=\"2XKO: What the layoffs mean for the fighter\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23182,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23181","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO 5.0.4 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The layoffs were announced soon after launch, and while 2XKO has done about as well as a new fighting game IP can realistically hope to with its marketing and roster, appealing to a niche core, it wasn\u2019t enough for Riot Games. 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