Riot Games has made a tough decision, laying off approximately 80 employees from the 2XKO team, a League of Legends-themed fighting game. This move comes as a surprise to many, considering the game's long development journey. But here's where it gets interesting: the game's player engagement hasn't quite met expectations.
In a blog post, 2XKO executive producer Tom Cannon explained that the team is being reduced due to sluggish player engagement. Despite a passionate core audience, the game's momentum hasn't sustained the larger team. This is a stark contrast to the decade-long development process, which began with the acquisition of Radiant Entertainment in 2016.
However, Riot Games is not discontinuing support for 2XKO. With a smaller, more focused team, they plan to continue working on key improvements and partnering with the fighting game community. This strategic shift aims to give the game a more sustainable future.
The impacted workers will have the opportunity to apply for other roles within Riot Games, and those who cannot find new positions will receive a minimum of 6 months' pay and severance. This decision highlights the challenges of game development and the need for adaptability in the industry.
This is a controversial move, as it raises questions about the future of 2XKO and the impact on its dedicated team. What do you think? Will this smaller team be able to sustain the game's momentum? Share your thoughts in the comments!
