Riot Games has announced a significant reduction in the development team for its fighting game 2XKO, impacting approximately 80 employees. Reports from affected staff members indicate that some were given as little as 30 minutes of notice before their positions were terminated.
The layoffs come shortly after the game’s console launch on January 20, 2026. While the title has found a dedicated niche audience, the studio cited a lack of broader momentum as the primary driver behind the decision to downsize.
Layoffs Impact 80 Developers
In an official update, 2XKO Executive Producer Tom Cannon confirmed that the team would be “reshaped” to ensure a more sustainable path forward. According to reports, this reshaping involves the departure of roughly 80 developers, which constitutes nearly half of the game’s total workforce.
Cannon explained that while the game has resonated with its core player base, the overall engagement trends following the expansion from PC to console did not meet the levels required to support a team of its previous size.
“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,” Cannon stated.
Staff Allege Sudden 30-Minute Notice
The restructuring has drawn attention not just for its scale but for the speed of its execution. Former Riot Games employees took to social media to share their experiences, with some revealing they received a warning of only 30 minutes before being laid off.
This rapid turnaround has sparked discussion within the industry, particularly given that some of the affected developers had been with the studio for over a decade.
Future of 2XKO and Esports Plans
Despite the significant reduction in staff, Riot Games has clarified that development on 2XKO will continue. The remaining team will shift its focus toward making key improvements to the game, though specific details on these updates have not yet been released.
Additionally, the studio confirmed that its plans for the 2XKO 2026 Competitive Series remain unchanged. Riot still intends to support the game’s esports ecosystem, including partnering with local tournament organizers and community events throughout the year.
Severance and Support
Riot Games has outlined a support package for the departing employees. Those who cannot be redeployed to other roles within the company will receive a minimum of six months of notice pay and severance. The publisher stated that this measure is intended to provide a financial bridge for affected staff as they transition to new opportunities.