Riot Games has announced it will halt development on its League of Legends fighting game, 2XKO, in December 2026. While the servers are set to remain online beyond this date and players can expect a refund for any money spent, the company cites lacklustre player engagement as the reason behind this decision. According to Riot’s own evaluation, despite some promising updates, there was no significant improvement that would make the game financially sustainable.

The end of 2XKO marks another in a string of unsuccessful live service games. Sony’s Horizon title Highguard and Remedy Entertainment’s Firebreak have both faced similar fates, with their respective developers choosing to keep them online but without further development. This trend raises questions about what factors determine the success or failure of such ventures.

Interestingly, even Fortnite, a flagship game, has not been immune to challenges. Following a downturn in player engagement, Epic Games had to lay off staff earlier this year. These developments suggest that the video game industry is increasingly focused on cost-cutting and consolidation, prioritising games with established fanbases over risky new ventures.

The decision to keep 2XKO online post-development is a pragmatic one, allowing players to continue enjoying the game while focusing resources elsewhere. Yet it remains a poignant reminder of the high stakes and often precarious nature of creating gaming IPs from scratch.