Riot Games Confirms Layoffs at 2XKO Amid Declining Player Count

Riot Games has announced a considerable reduction in the development team for its recently launched free-to-play fighting game, 2XKO. This decision comes barely a month after the game officially hit consoles on January 20, 2026.

On February 9, 2026, Tom Cannon, the game’s executive producer and co-founder of Evo, shared this news via a public statement. He noted that the game’s current player base does not justify the size of the supporting development team.

“Our expansion from PC to console revealed consistent patterns in player engagement with 2XKO, ” Cannon explained.“While the game has captivated a dedicated core audience, the overall engagement has not attained the necessary levels to warrant maintaining such a large team long term.”

Cannon reassured fans that despite the layoffs, the game’s plans for its competitive circuit remain intact and that support for the game itself will continue.“Our plans for the 2026 Competitive Series are unchanged, ” he emphasized, noting Riot’s commitment to collaborating with tournament organizers and local gaming communities.

Artwork of 2XKO's characters. — Riot Games

The announcement of team layoffs, which occurred just two weeks post-launch, elicited a considerable reaction from both the community and former employees. Some former team members took to social media to express their dismay, claiming they received as little as 30 minutes’ notice before being let go.

Got laid off from Riot today.2XKO was everything I wanted – my dream studio, my dream project, animating fighting game characters with some of the best in the industry. I poured my heart into every animation, every frame. Seeing those characters come alive was magic.

— Thomas (@thomashuynh_) February 9, 2026

Community Response to Layoffs

The tumultuous news stirred varied reactions within the fighting game community, with some expressing fears about the future of 2XKO. Prominent figures, including Ed Boon, creator of Mortal Kombat, took to social media, urging players to support the teams previously involved in the game’s creation.

Support @Play2XKO team! Its a great game!

— Ed Boon (@noobde) February 9, 2026

Discontent was palpable among players, some attributing the game’s struggle with high cosmetic prices as a barrier to entry. Others suggested that a confusing launch timeline hampered the excitement that usually accompanies major fighting game releases.

Comments from Evo champion Justin Wong highlighted these sentiments: “This sucks, and hopefully 2XKO comes back super strong to make Riot possibly grow the team again, ” he stated on X.

This sucks and hopefully 2xko comes back super strong to make riot possibly grow the team again https://t.co/OICWavRrKY

— Justin Wong (@JWonggg) February 9, 2026

Regarding the layoffs, noted Evo champion Leffen shared his disappointment, acknowledging the game’s potential.“2XKO has a lot of problems, but it has so much potential, and I know the people who worked on it were really dedicated, ” Leffen remarked, expressing hope for the remaining team to finally bring the game to its full potential.

man im depressed, 2xko has a lot of problems but it has so much fucking potential, and I know the people who worked on it were really fucking dedicated. I still have faith that the team left will get the game there eventually but I feel so bad for everyone who was let go.

— TSM Leffen (@TSM_Leffen) February 9, 2026

The recent staff reductions underscore the challenges that 2XKO faces shortly after its launch. The next major competitive event is scheduled for Genesis from February 13 to February 15, 2026, where players and fans will be keenly observing the future trajectory of the game.

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