Riot Games is shutting down active live service development for 2XKO, its fighting game based on the League of Legends universe. The studio confirmed that while initial interest was solid, long term player retention failed to generate enough revenue to justify production costs. The servers will remain online for casual matches, but all microtransactions are being permanently removed alongside full refunds for players.
Riot Games issued an official statement explaining why the project could no longer continue in its current live service format. The ongoing cost of building seasonal content outpaced what the active player base was spending. The studio admitted that keeping the game sustainable required a much larger community of daily users.
Although many of you tried the game and formed an incredible community of players spending a lot of time with it, we do not see enough players staying long enough to make it sustainable.
This decision turns 2XKO into another high profile casualty in the competitive live service market. Despite positive reception to the core fighting mechanics, the title failed to keep mainstream audiences engaged beyond its initial launch window.
Riot is automatically refunding all real money spent on the game leading up to the announcement. In game purchases are already locked. The upcoming patch 1.3.1 will permanently delete the digital storefront, allowing players to unlock remaining customization items with standard in game currency instead.
The studio still plans to release the final 2 scheduled characters, Lux and Samira. Every champion in the game will remain completely free to select. For players who want immediate access to every cosmetic item, Riot will release the 2XKO Ultimate Bundle for 39 dollars or 39 euros, which unlocks all skins, taunts, and finishers.
The game will not go completely offline. Riot confirmed that servers will stay active for community play, though ranked competitive ladders are being removed to simplify casual matchmaking. Players looking for the complete breakdown of store changes and upcoming patch notes can find them directly on the official Riot Games website.
