2XKO Layoffs: Riot Games Laid Off 80 Employees After One Month
Posted: February 10, 2026
Updated: February 10, 2026
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80 employees were laid off from Riot Games
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How to bet on 2XKO online?
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2XKO layoffs
The gaming community recently faced a major shock due to the 2XKO layoffs. This news impacts both the development team and the future of competitive fighting games.
The fighting game community recently received some very difficult news regarding Riot Games. Many fans were eagerly awaiting the release of their new project. However, the sudden 2XKO layoffs have changed the current narrative significantly. This decision impacted dozens of talented developers who worked on the title.
The playerbase now feels uncertain about the game’s ultimate scale and polish. Riot Games maintains that the project will continue despite these staff cuts. Therefore, the core experience remains intact for the dedicated fans. Nevertheless, the loss of staff raises many questions about future content updates. Everyone is watching how the studio handles this specific transition. Register at any of the online sportsbook sites in the US to bet on esports, including 2XKO still!
The Promise Before The 2XKO Layoffs
Before it blew up, we believed that Riot Games’ new fighting game would be the future of esports betting. Early playtests suggested a very polished and fluid combat system. Players loved the tag-team mechanics and the vibrant visual style. Therefore, the anticipation grew with every new character reveal. Many professional players started practicing similar games to prepare for this release. They saw a chance to build a career in a new scene. Because Riot manages League of Legends, people expected a huge prize pool.
This financial security is rare in the fighting game community. Consequently, many creators shifted their focus entirely toward this upcoming title. They invested time and resources into building specialized communities. However, the internal situation at the studio was apparently changing. The project aimed to bridge the gap between casual and hardcore fans. Developers spoke about long-term support and a decade of planned updates. Because of these statements, the game felt like a safe bet. Register at bet365 Sportsbook and bet on 2XKO today!
What Went Wrong? – 80 Workers Laid Off
The 2XKO Layoffs happened quite literally one month after the launch. Riot Games likely saw that the initial buzz was not translating. Perhaps the feedback from private testing phases was not purely positive. Therefore, they chose to pivot before the official global launch happened. This strategy aims to save money during a volatile economic period. Because the tech industry is struggling, many studios are making cuts. However, this specific move surprised people because of Riot’s massive wealth.
They usually spend heavily to ensure their games stay at the top. This shift suggests a more cautious approach to new intellectual properties. Consequently, the remaining staff must now work harder to fill the gaps. They have to maintain quality while managing a much smaller group. According to the Game Developer, Riot Games has decided to lay off 80 workers from the 2XKO project, as the game was not as much of a success as they expected. We believe the fact that players took it very seriously very early also had to do with this.
The Public Statement On The 2XKO Layoffs
According to Kotaku, their public statement focused on putting an emphasis on the future. The game is not over, nor is Riot Games in trouble. Rather, they wish to make a more sustainable team for what 2XKO brings to the table. Therefore, in the future, if interest rises, they might expand the team. As of today? The team is lessened, and they seek to compensate for the lack of players with a lack of spending money. Riot Games also emphasized its commitment to the fighting game genre.
They do not want people to think they are giving up. Because they value the community, they promise to keep listening. However, actions often speak much louder than any written press release. Thus, the developers must prove their dedication through upcoming game builds. They need to show that the quality remains world-class and polished. Because the brand is at stake, they cannot afford a mistake. Many players are waiting for the next big gameplay showcase. This event will determine if the statement was actually true. Therefore, the pressure is on the remaining team to deliver.
What Can Fans Expect From Now On?
With the 2XKO Layoffs, things will inevitably slow down. According to PC Gamer, Riot Games did not get what they expected from the community. They promise to make a smaller, yet more focused team based on player feedback and potentially interaction data. Fans should also expect a more focused and polished core experience. A smaller team often results in a more unified creative vision. Because they lack extra resources, they cannot afford to wander. Therefore, every mechanic must serve a clear and specific purpose. This could lead to a very tight and competitive game.
However, the lack of variety might turn away some casual players. Because people love content, a small roster is a tough sell. Thus, the marketing team has a very difficult job ahead. They must convince the public that quality beats quantity every time. Because the game is free, they need a large player base. The competitive scene will likely start on a much smaller scale. Instead of massive stadium events, expect more grassroots tournament support. Because the budget is lower, the prize pools might shrink.
The Seriousness Of The 2XKO Layoffs
For many, this was not just a game. They considered it one of the esports careers you can start today. Therefore, the esports players, or even esports workers who dedicated their months to trying to get in on the scene or the company, are now left dissatisfied. The workers lost their jobs. Esports players may still have hope, since the game continues. However, it will not be as big a title as it was promised. Because of the cuts, the sense of momentum has stalled. Therefore, the community is grieving the loss of the original dream. Many people feel that the corporate side failed the creative side. Because of poor planning, talented individuals are now out of work.
This reality makes it hard to celebrate new game trailers. Thus, the studio must work hard to regain the public’s trust. Because trust is fragile, one more mistake could be fatal. However, the game still has a chance to be great. We must remember that developers are real people with families. These layoffs are not just numbers on a business spreadsheet. Because of this, the industry needs to discuss better job security. Therefore, the conversation around this game is now very political. Many fans are calling for better protection for game developers.
Where To Bet On Esports Online?
The 2XKO layoffs happened, and the community can not truly reverse the lack of investment for now. All that being said and done, the game is not dead. With our 2XKO betting guide, you can still learn how to wager on some of the best events today. All you need is a locally legal and trustworthy betting platform. All you need is a legal and trustworthy betting platform. Because the meta is new, there are many unique opportunities.
Therefore, smart fans can find an edge by watching matches closely. Always ensure your chosen site follows all the local gambling laws. Thus, you can enjoy the thrill of the game safely. Because the community is active, tournaments will continue to happen. Register at bet365 Sportsbook to bet on future events!