Riot Video games has introduced it has laid off a number of employees members engaged on its preventing recreation 2XKO.
The developer and writer of League of Legends and VALORANT revealed that the cuts are a part of an effort to give attention to growth and the title’s aggressive plans.
In a weblog submit revealed on February ninth, Riot Video games acknowledged momentum ‘hasn’t reached the extent wanted’ to assist the present measurement of the workforce. Because of this, Riot Video games has lowered the variety of employees engaged on the preventing recreation. While asserting the choice, it has not been confirmed what number of employees members have been laid off.
Regardless of asmaller workforce engaged on 2XKO, the developer has acknowledged that it’s dedicated to bettering the sport and resolving points raised by the group. Furthermore, its esports plans will stay intact.
“Our plans for the 2026 Aggressive Sequence are unchanged,” stated Tom Cannon, Government Producer of 2XKO. “We stay dedicated to partnering with event organisers and native communities. Our focus will proceed to be on supporting the occasions and organisers that already energy the FGC.”
Globally launched on January twentieth, 2026, 2XKO is a two-versus-two preventing recreation that includes characters from the League of Legends universe. Final month, Riot Video games unveiled the title’s aggressive calendar to cement its presence at a number of high-profile occasions all year long.
In response to the corporate, these impacted by the layoffs can have the choice to discover alternatives inside Riot Video games. Staff who’ve been let go will obtain six months of discover pay and severance.
“Finally, this choice displays a shift in how we function,” added Cannon. “This isn’t a judgment on particular person Rioters or a sign that the journey is over. We’re reshaping the workforce to offer 2XKO a extra sustainable path ahead.”
Layoffs And Esports
Over the past 12 months, layoffs have impacted a number of areas of the esports trade. In October, event organiser ESL FACEIT Group underwent layoffs as a part of strategic realignment efforts designed to make sure sustainable development.
September 2025 noticed North American organisation 100 Thieves bear layoffs, sparking group backlash because of the cuts coinciding with Matt ‘Nadeshot‘ Haag taking part in sponsored playing streams.
