Riot Games has downsized a substantial portion of the team behind 2XKO, the studio’s new fighting game that launched less than 30 days ago. According to reporting from Eurogamer, roughly 80 staff will be either transferred to other teams within Riot or laid off with six months' severance pay.

The move was described internally as a reorganisation of resources across Riot’s projects. The cuts come as the title attempts to find its feet in a crowded fighting-game market while Riot continues to operate multiple live-service titles.

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Industry observers note that reductions so soon after launch risk disrupting post‑release support. Work on patches, balance updates, competitive initiatives and community engagement can all be affected when a development team is significantly scaled back, even if some personnel are reassigned rather than let go.

From a corporate perspective, the decision follows a period in which many large publishers have adjusted staffing and studio structures to match evolving roadmaps and budgets. For players and commentators, however, the timing has intensified scrutiny of Riot’s stewardship of new IPs and raised fresh questions about long-term commitment to recent releases.

Employee impact is likewise significant: those moved to other teams face reassignment, while those given severance confront the uncertainties of finding new roles in a competitive market. Six months' severance was reported as part of the exit terms for affected staff.

Community reaction has focused on confidence in future Riot launches and on how such decisions are communicated. Rapid post‑launch cuts can damage goodwill at a time when first impressions are crucial for player retention and competitive growth.

Further details and ongoing coverage are available in the original Eurogamer report: Eurogamer – 2XKO cuts and layoffs.

Riot’s approach to resourcing and messaging around new titles will be closely watched by players, press and industry peers as the company moves forward with its live‑service portfolio.