Is 2XKO Doomed? New Fighting Games Throw Riot’s Project into Jeopardy

Look Sports Media – Summer Game Fest’s explosive reveals sent shockwaves through the fighting game community, leaving many wondering about the fate of Riot Games’ long-awaited 2XKO. The unveiling of Invincible VS and Marvel Tōkon, both stylish tag-team fighters boasting impressive rosters and high-profile developers, has ignited a fierce debate: is 2XKO too late to the party?

Both newcomers pack a punch. Invincible VS, developed by Quarter Up in collaboration with Skybound Entertainment, promises brutal, Mortal Kombat-esque action set within the gritty universe of the hit animated series. Its 2026 release date, alongside an original storyline, hints at a polished, cinematic experience.

Meanwhile, Marvel Tōkon, helmed by Arc System Works (the studio behind Guilty Gear and Dragon Ball FighterZ), blends anime aesthetics with Western comic book flair. The four-man tag-team battles and visually stunning trailer have generated immense hype, also slated for a 2026 release.

These announcements cast a long shadow over 2XKO, formerly known as Project L. Initially revealed in 2019, the game has languished in development, its art style evolving to align with the Arcane aesthetic. While aiming for an accessible yet deeply strategic gameplay experience, its extended development cycle has fueled fan frustration and allowed competitors to seize the spotlight.

The online reaction has been explosive. Social media is awash with criticism, with many voicing concerns about 2XKO’s prolonged development. The game’s subreddit, once a haven for excited fans, is now a battleground between loyalists and those disillusioned by the delays. One user poignantly summarized the sentiment: "I feel like 2XKO could almost be a case study on how meeting consumer expectation is more important than delivering a good product."

However, 2XKO still holds some key advantages. Its planned release this year gives it a significant head start, and its free-to-play model could attract a broader audience than its premium-priced competitors. Furthermore, the immense popularity of Arcane provides a built-in fanbase eager for more League of Legends-related content.

Ultimately, the fighting game landscape is about to get a lot more crowded. While 2XKO faces a significant challenge from these high-profile newcomers, its free-to-play model and earlier release could still carve out a niche. Whether it can overcome the considerable momentum of Invincible VS and Marvel Tōkon remains to be seen. The battle for fighting game supremacy is far from over.