Riot Was Early in Its 2XKO Announcement

Riot Games has been developing 2XKO for years, and it remains a hot topic for fighting game enthusiasts. While the game was first officially announced in 2024, behind the scenes, the project has been the product of a nearly decade-long process. However, some players believe that such an early announcement created unnecessary anticipation leading up to the game’s release.

2XKO’s Development Process and the Impact of the Early Announcement

2XKO’s origins date back to Riot Games’ acquisition of Rising Thunder developer Radiant Entertainment in 2016. First unveiled in 2019 as “Project L,” the game was initially planned for a 1v1 format. However, the team eventually shifted this approach, opting for a more dynamic, team-oriented 2v2 combat system. This shift directly impacted both the game’s gameplay and development time.

Riot Games officials acknowledge that an early announcement has both advantages and disadvantages. Executive producer Tom Cannon says that the initial reveal is necessary to generate interest in the game, but that it creates the impression in players’ minds that it’s “a game that’s been in development for years.” Cannon also emphasizes that this feedback motivates them to create a more distinctive and special game.

Game director Shaun Rivera states that transparency is part of Riot’s culture. According to Rivera, constant communication with players and holding early tests are critical to the game’s evolution in the right direction. However, he also acknowledges that such a long development period has created impatience in some.

Despite all this controversy, 2XKO’s closed beta will begin on September 9, 2025. Riot Games plans to make the final touches based on player feedback before releasing the game to the public. The weight of anticipation created by the early announcement appears to only become clearer with the game’s release.

Read More: Black Ops 7 Skins Leaked Before Release