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Riot Shrinks 2XKO Team Weeks After Launch, Cutting About 80 Roles

Riot says a smaller team will focus on key improvements, keeping the 2026 competitive series on schedule.

Overview

  • Executive producer Tom Cannon announced the downsizing just weeks after 2XKO’s 1.0 release on January 20 across PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
  • A Riot spokesperson said roughly 80 employees—about half of the global development team—were let go from the project.
  • Riot cited lower-than-expected post-launch engagement across PC and console as the reason for reducing the team’s size.
  • Development will continue with a leaner group, and Riot says partnerships with tournament organizers and local FGC communities remain a priority.
  • Impacted staff will be considered for other roles at Riot, with at least six months of notice pay and severance for those not placed, while former producer Patrick Miller reported receiving 30 minutes’ notice.