Riot Games to end LoL fighting game 2XK0’s development and issue refunds, less than a year since launch
Riot Games has announced it will end active development of 2XKO, its free-to-play League of Legends fighting game, in December 2026—less than a year after the game’s January launch. The company cited unsustainable economics, stating the game costs “substantially more to operate than it brings in,” while engagement has remained flat despite significant content updates.
The final patch will release in October, with all previously announced characters (including Lux and Samira) still coming to the game. All in-game purchases made before August 20 will be refunded by November. Importantly, servers will remain online beyond 2026, and offline play will continue unaffected, allowing the game to remain playable indefinitely.
The news has significantly impacted the fighting game community (FGC). The game had cultivated a dedicated playerbase despite its brief existence, with some esports professionals reportedly quitting their jobs to pursue competitive careers in 2XKO. Community members expressed frustration and disappointment on social media, feeling abandoned after investing time and resources into the title.
The decision reflects the challenging economics of live-service fighting games, where maintaining active development and competitive ecosystems requires sustained player engagement and revenue. While 2XKO offered free access and cross-platform availability on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, the game ultimately couldn’t achieve the scale Riot Games deemed necessary for long-term viability.