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Riot Co-Founder Hints at Game-Changing 2XKO Solution for Fighters
Feb 19, 2025 3:14 PMRiot Games co-founder Marc Merrill recently teased exciting developments for their upcoming fighting game, 2XKO (Project L). In a recent interview, he hinted at innovative solutions aimed at onboarding new players to the fighting game genre, which often feels overwhelming to newcomers. Merrill did not confirm a release date but indicated that the game would focus on a community-building lobby system, tailoring the experience for veteran players to mentor newbies directly in a 2v2 format. This approach seeks to lower barriers for entry, making it easier for newcomers to dive into the action.
nAdditionally, Merrill mentioned a unique perspective on what the "launch" of 2XKO might look like, suggesting that it will leverage live service support to keep the game fresh and engaging over time. As of now, players can look forward to a selection of under ten characters during the alpha phase, with more details expected to emerge in upcoming updates.
nHow is Riot Games making 2XKO more accessible for new players?Riot Games is implementing a community-driven lobby system in 2XKO that allows veteran players to mentor new players directly in a 2v2 format, helping reduce the learning curve typically associated with fighting games.
n2XKO, officially known as Project L, is Riot Games' ambitious venture into the fighting game genre, inspired by their success in competitive online gaming with titles like League of Legends. The game's development aims to balance accessibility for newcomers while maintaining depth for seasoned players, embodying Riot’s commitment to community engagement and innovative gameplay experiences.
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Jordan Keats
Jordan Keats is a former professional gamer turned journalist, whose competitive background gives them a unique perspective on esports and multiplayer games. Jordan's expertise in strategy and game mechanics is unmatched, offering readers a deeper understing.
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Riot’s focus on blending mentorship with a 2v2 format feels like a smart way to bridge the gap between casual and hardcore players—imagine learning combos while your buddy has your back. Plus, the live service angle hints at a game that’s not just a one-and-done release but a growing, evolving experience, which is always a win in my book.
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It’s cool to see Riot tackling the steep learning curve of fighting games head-on with a mentorship system—kinda feels like they’re building a fighting game community from the ground up. The 2v2 format and live service approach could really shake things up, making it less intimidating for newbies while keeping vets engaged.