Tag: Riot Games

  • Free-to-Play Fighting Game Update Before Alpha 2 Play Test

    Free-to-Play Fighting Game Update Before Alpha 2 Play Test

    Key Takeaways

    1. 2XKO is a new 2v2 fighting game by Riot Games featuring characters from Arcane and League of Legends, with a stylish 2.5D graphic style.
    2. The Alpha Lab 2 play test is scheduled for April 18 to 20, available to players in Brazil, Canada, and the USA on Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
    3. The game will launch with 10 playable champions, with a focus on getting the game into players’ hands sooner rather than delaying for more characters.
    4. Additional champions will be added after the game’s release, as it will be a live service game with ongoing updates and new content.
    5. Seven champions have been showcased so far, but it is unclear if Katarina, who was previously revealed, will return by the official launch.

    In case you haven’t heard, 2XKO is a new 2v2 fighting game that Riot Games, the studio behind League of Legends, is currently working on. The game boasts stylish 2.5D graphics, allowing players to engage in 2v2 tag-team battles featuring characters from Arcane and League of Legends. On Friday, Riot Games held a Q&A session on the game’s Discord after providing an update on the development ahead of the Alpha Lab 2 play test, where they shared several details about the gameplay and the anticipated state of the game upon its release in 2025.

    Upcoming Play Test Details

    To start, it was announced that the next play test is set for April 18 to 20, limited to players in Brazil, Canada, and the USA. This Alpha Lab 2 play test will be accessible on Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S platforms. During the Q&A, the director of the game provided insights into the number of playable characters that will be available at launch.

    “We will have 10 playable champions at launch,” he said. “We know this is less than what many might expect, but we faced a choice between adding more champions and delaying the release or getting it into your hands sooner, and we chose the latter.”

    Future Champion Additions

    The game’s director, Shaun Rivera, continued by mentioning that additional champions will be introduced after the game is released, as it develops over time.

    “We also believe that experiencing these champions through solo or duo play with various combinations offers a lot for players to explore early on. Being a live service game means it will only improve from there with new champion releases and gameplay updates.”

    As of now, Riot Games has showcased gameplay footage for seven champions, but it appears that the other three champions won’t be playable until the official launch later this year. Riot Games has indicated that following the Alpha Lab 2, barring any significant delays, the 2XKO team will shift focus towards the full release instead of preparing for another play test.

    Known Champions List

    One character that Riot Games previously revealed is Katarina, although she has been taken out of the game recently. It’s still uncertain whether she will return by the time the game launches, but it remains a possibility.

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  • Riot Games Restructures Workforce, Downsizing by 11% to Navigate Market Challenges

    Riot Games Restructures Workforce, Downsizing by 11% to Navigate Market Challenges

    Riot Games, the popular game developer known for “League of Legends,” recently announced a significant reduction in staff. This decision will impact approximately 11% of its global workforce, which translates to around 530 employees facing an uncertain future. The news of these layoffs has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, shedding light on the challenges that even successful digital game publishers are facing in today’s economic climate.

    The Impact of Layoffs

    With 11% of its workforce being let go, Riot Games is making a significant cut to its staff. This translates to approximately 530 employees who will be affected by this decision. The layoffs are a result of the company’s recognition of the harsh realities of a stagnant market. Factors such as high inflation rates and a trend among players to limit their spending on new titles or stick with their favorite games have taken a toll on the gaming industry as a whole. Riot Games is not alone in this struggle, as other companies like Electronic Arts also had to downsize their workforce in the past year.

    Acknowledging Challenges

    In a letter to employees, CEO Dylan Jadeja openly acknowledged the challenges that Riot Games is facing. He recognized the company’s loss of focus and the unsustainable growth in costs. This level of introspection is rare within a major gaming company and provides a glimpse into the internal workings of the industry. It shows that even companies that are often seen as invincible by their fan base are not immune to the economic pressures and challenges of the market.

    A Shift in Strategy

    The restructuring at Riot Games goes beyond just cutting jobs. The company aims to refocus its efforts on its most successful titles, including “League of Legends,” “Valorant,” “Teamfight Tactics,” and “Wild Rift.” However, this strategic shift also involves the cessation of new game development under the “Riot Forge” label and a scaling back of certain features and staff in “Legends of Runeterra.” These moves highlight the depth of Riot Games’ commitment to streamlining its operations and focusing on its core strengths.

    A Sign of Things to Come

    Riot Games’ pivot comes at a time when its parent company, Tencent Holdings, is making broader moves within the gaming industry. Tencent is also invested in other major U.S. gaming companies like Epic Games. The changes happening at Riot Games could be a sign of things to come for the industry as a whole. As companies strive to adapt to the evolving gaming landscape and economic pressures, we may see more restructurings and strategic shifts among game developers.

    In conclusion, Riot Games’ recent announcement of staff layoffs highlights the challenges that even successful game publishers face in today’s economic climate. The company’s recognition of these challenges and its strategic shift to refocus on its most successful titles demonstrate its commitment to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing gaming industry. As the industry evolves, we may see more companies making similar moves to navigate the economic pressures and changes in the gaming landscape.

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