The outlook for the fighting game 2XKO appears bleak, just weeks after its launch on the PlayStation 5.
The development team is facing significant reductions in staff, which signals troubling news for the game’s future.
Released only on January 20, 2026, 2XKO has not managed to attract the desired player base despite its free-to-play model and a strong association with the beloved League of Legends franchise. Initially, the game received a warm welcome on PC, but its transition to consoles has not been as successful.
In an official update from Tom Cannon, the producer at Riot Games, it was revealed that the team would be downsized. He stated, "After extensive discussions and careful consideration, we have decided to cut back the size of the 2XKO team."
Cannon elaborated on the challenges faced during the expansion from PC to console: "While we have developed a dedicated core group of players who truly enjoy 2XKO, the overall engagement levels have not reached the necessary threshold to justify maintaining a larger team in the long term."
With a smaller, more focused team, the goal is to implement crucial enhancements to the game, addressing concerns that players have already expressed. Cannon assured fans, "We will outline our plans for these improvements shortly."
The fighting game genre is notoriously challenging to penetrate, and sustaining or growing a fanbase is even more difficult. Although 2XKO benefits from the backing of a well-known brand, it seems the connection with the gaming community hasn’t met Riot Games’ expectations.
However, there’s still a glimmer of hope. Cannon emphasized, "This decision is not a reflection on the performance of individual team members nor does it indicate that our journey is over. We are restructuring the team to create a viable path for 2XKO moving forward."
As time progresses, it will be fascinating to observe what kind of support 2XKO garners in the weeks and months ahead. Many believe it's a fun and approachable tag fighter with significant potential, yet it may struggle to engage casual players due to its heavy emphasis on online gameplay.
What are your thoughts on the future of 2XKO? Share your opinions in the comments below!
