Riot Games' canceled fighting game probably had little to do with MultiVersus

Riot Games’ canceled fighting game probably had little to do with MultiVersus

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Highlights

  • The development of Riot Games’ canceled fighting game Pool Party faced internal challenges and went from a competitive game to a party game.

  • MultiVersus’ performance issues, including backlash over microtransactions and balancing, likely didn’t factor into Pool Party’s cancellation.

  • The termination of Pool Party may be related to the prioritization of Riot Games’ upcoming 2XKO, a 2v2 tag team fighting game currently in alpha testing.

riot games has a strong track record of developing successful games, including League of Legends, Team fighting tacticsand valorant. As the developer continues to expand its portfolio, especially within the League of Legends universe, it is worth keeping a close eye on Riot Games’ current and future projects. Unfortunately, despite their numerous successes, not all of their efforts have been fruitful.

Surprisingly, the development of Riot Games crush brothersPlatform fighting game inspired by ., codenamed pool partyIt stopped in July. Although the game was never officially announced, reports suggest that it would have featured characters from the studio’s extensive roster competing against each other. This may have included a clash of iconic figures from across the developer’s universe, such as valorant agents and champions of League of Legends and Arcane. Although there are speculations that link pool partythe cancellation of MultiVersus‘ performance, it is unlikely that the two events are connected in any meaningful way.

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Riot Games’ pool party went through several changes before its cancellation

MultiVersus’ poor performance was probably unrelated to Riot’s decision

According to Mikhail Klimentov of the Washington Post, pool party It faced numerous internal challenges during its production process. Although the project’s timeline was never publicly revealed, the fighting game, planned to take place within the League of Legends The franchise was originally intended to be highly competitive before transitioning to a party game. While MultiVersus It offers a competitive aspect with its ranked mode, which features five divisions; Several players, according to Steam reviews, find the game more fun when playing it casually or with friends.

Besides, MultiVersus faced challenges after its re-release, including backlash over microtransactions and balance issues. Given the significant overlap in recognizable characters between Riot Games and Warner Bros. Interactive, it seems that Riot Games recognized that a strong roster alone would not guarantee the game’s success. However, stating that MultiVersusThe turbulent history played an important role in pool partyThe eventual cancellation is doubtful, although long-term success is rare for platform fighting games outside of senior series like Super Smash Bros.

to claim that MultiVersusThe turbulent history played an important role in pool partyThe eventual cancellation is doubtful.

Riot Games’ canceled fighting game makes 2XKO a priority, for better or worse

Riot Games' Canceled Platform Fighter Sets All Eyes on 2XKO

the termination of pool party was met with frustration from developers and fans alike. Experts say approximately 70 to 80 developers were removed or reassigned from the project. While Joe Hixson, corporate communications leader at Riot Games, explained that the game’s development involves constant experimentation and iteration of the project, the cancellation of the fighting game remains a disappointment for both the development team and its community.

In particular, the cancellation of pool party seems more likely related to the progression of 2XKOriot games League of Legends 2v2 team fighting game. Currently in testing by Alpha Lab from August 8 to 19, the title is ready for release in 2025 after almost a decade of investment. Announced in 2019 with the name Project Lseems to have experienced a challenging production process. Due to the significant amount of time and resources invested in the next title, 2XKO now faces considerable pressure as the only fighting game currently in active development by the company.

It’s strange that Riot Games was simultaneously developing two fighting game projects. While such a venture could be seen as an ambitious exploration of the genre, it also raises questions about resource allocation and strategic focus. The unexpected cancellation of pool party It has certainly left a void for fans eager to see their favorite characters crossover within the Riot Games universe. Fortunately, League of Legends Fighting game fans and enthusiasts can still look forward to the next release of 2XKO.


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