2XKO Exclusive Interview: Unpacking the Roster, Future of Original Characters, and the Highly Anticipated Closed Beta
As the gaming world eagerly anticipates the September 9th launch of 2XKO’s closed beta, we at Gaming News had the distinct privilege of sitting down with Shaun Rivera, the visionary Game Director for 2XKO, at the electrifying atmosphere of Evo. Our conversation delved deep into the heart of the game, exploring everything from the carefully curated initial roster to the tantalizing prospect of original characters and the crucial feedback loop shaping the game’s development. While we’ve previously touched upon specific champion inclusions like the Yordles, this extensive discussion aims to address the myriad questions buzzing within the community, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the future of this ambitious fighting game.
The Dawn of 2XKO: A Director’s Perspective on the Eve of Beta
Shaun Rivera (Game Director for 2XKO): It’s an absolute thrill to reconnect and discuss 2XKO. The energy here at EVO, witnessing the sheer joy and engagement from players at our booth, is truly indescribable. Announcing the closed beta on September 9th for PC marks a significant milestone, the culmination of years of dedicated development, and it’s incredibly rewarding to finally embark on this journey with our community. We are beyond stoked for this next chapter.
Building the Foundation: The Strategic Selection of the Initial 2XKO Roster
The Humanoid Focus: A Deliberate Choice for Character Connection
The initial roster of eight characters has generated considerable discussion, with a notable emphasis on humanoid or near-humanoid designs. Rivera elaborated on the team’s strategic approach to this selection. “Our primary goal,” he explained, “is to ensure that each character resonates with players, becoming their ‘main,’ the character they fall in love with and connect with on a personal level. Mechanical and thematic diversity are paramount. With Vi, for instance, we aimed to capture the essence of a boxer – the desire to deliver powerful blows, the fluid movement, the tactical advantage of swaying. This principle applies across our entire roster; we want players to find a character whose identity and playstyle speak to them, inviting exploration and deep engagement.”
Addressing the Call for Greater Variety: Beyond the Humanoid Form
Acknowledging the community’s vocal requests for characters with more distinct, non-humanoid forms, such as a Volibear-inspired champion, Rivera provided clarity on the team’s philosophy. “Humanoids are, in many ways, a more accessible starting point for development,” he admitted. “However, our ultimate vision is to leverage the immense diversity within the League of Legends IP. The universe boasts an astonishing array of champions with unique mechanics, compelling themes, and varied physiologies. Our intention is to absolutely take advantage of this richness over time.” This statement directly addresses concerns about future roster expansion, hinting at a broader spectrum of character types being considered.
The “Arcane” Connection: A Testament to Character Appeal
The presence of several characters who featured prominently in the critically acclaimed animated series Arcane has also been a point of discussion. Rivera addressed this directly, stating, “It would be disingenuous to say we don’t consider the impact of Arcane. However, there’s a fundamental reason these characters were central to the series: their inherent relatability, their captivating storylines, and their well-established, engaging kits. When we envision them within the context of a fighting game, the creative possibilities are immense, and frankly, incredibly exciting. While Arcane’s popularity is a factor, our primary motivation is the intrinsic quality and fighting game potential of these characters themselves.” This highlights a thoughtful integration of beloved figures, rather than a mere rehashing of existing media.
The Pace of Progress: Unveiling Future Characters and Development Realities
Beyond the Initial Eight: A Commitment to Rapid Roster Expansion
Rivera expressed a clear ambition to move beyond the initial roster size. “Ten characters is not our endgame,” he emphasized. “Our objective is to introduce new champions more rapidly. It’s crucial to understand that this is not akin to iterating on established fighting game franchises where existing design frameworks can be leveraged. We are building everything from the ground up. Furthermore, this is a team that is continuously learning and evolving. The alpha labs provided invaluable data, and the upcoming closed beta will be another significant learning opportunity. We are committed to growth, both as a team and in the depth and polish of each character we introduce.”
From Concept to Combat: The Rigors of Fighting Game Character Design
The distinct challenge of translating League of Legends champions into a fighting game format, a process far more intricate and time-consuming than designing for the original MOBA, was also a key topic. Rivera acknowledged this disparity. “Creating and balancing characters for a fighting game demands a unique approach,” he stated. “It requires deep consideration of frame data, hitboxes, movement capabilities, and intricate offensive and defensive interactions, all within a high-speed, competitive environment. We are acutely aware of this complexity and are dedicated to ensuring each character feels authentic to their League of Legends origins while also being a compelling and balanced addition to the 2XKO experience.”
Balancing the Scales: Confidence and Iteration in the Lead-Up to Beta
Navigating the Spectrum of Offense and Defense: The Alpha Lab Approach
Rivera articulated the team’s iterative process in refining the game’s balance. “We are feeling exceptionally confident and excited as we head into the closed beta,” he affirmed. “Our Alpha Lab One was designed to push the boundaries of offensive gameplay, allowing us to identify where that edge lay. In Alpha Lab Two, we shifted focus to the defensive spectrum, again seeking to understand our parameters. For the closed beta, we’ve honed these learnings, striking a balance that we believe is truly remarkable. Identifying these ‘bookends’ of offensive and defensive capabilities was critical for establishing a solid foundation.”
Anecdotes of Excitement: The Vibe of the Development Team
To illustrate the team’s current sentiment, Rivera shared a personal anecdote. “The day before we departed for Evo, after a long day, several team members gathered for impromptu matches. The atmosphere was electric. Despite being exhausted, the games were incredibly hype, filled with diverse strategies and creative plays. That energy, that shared passion, is palpable within the team right now. We genuinely believe the game is in a fantastic state.” This personal insight provides a qualitative measure of the game’s readiness and the team’s enthusiasm.
The Future of 2XKO: Original Characters and Dream Inclusions
Originality on the Horizon: Crafting Unique Identities for 2XKO
The question of original characters, distinct from the established League of Legends roster, was met with enthusiasm. “The prospect of creating original characters for 2XKO is something our team is incredibly excited about and feels well-equipped to execute brilliantly,” Rivera stated. “However, given the sheer depth of the League of Legends IP and the vast number of champions players are eager to see represented, any original character we introduce would need to not only stand on its own but also arguably surpass the expectations tied to those anticipated League champions. They would have to be exceptionally well-crafted, offering a unique experience that justifies taking up a roster slot that a beloved League champion might otherwise occupy. There will certainly be a time and a place for original creations, but for now, we are prioritizing the ‘bangers’ readily available within the existing League roster.”
A Personal Wishlist: Malzahar’s Potential in the Fighting Arena
When pressed for a single, personal favorite League of Legends champion he’d love to see in 2XKO, Rivera grappled with the difficult choice. “This is an incredibly tough question!” he exclaimed. After careful consideration, he revealed his pick: “I would have to go with Malzahar. And I want to be very clear: this is purely a personal sentiment, not a confirmation or denial of his inclusion. I’m simply a fan of Malzahar and find myself wondering how his unique abilities could translate into a fighting game in a way that is both fun to play, not overly frustrating for opponents, and visually engaging to watch. The potential for interesting duos and unique gameplay mechanics is certainly there.”
Archetypal Diversity and Evolutionary Design: The Ongoing Evolution of 2XKO
Beyond Archetypes: Elevating Existing Concepts
Rivera addressed the current archetypal balance within the roster, which includes brawlers, zoners, tanks, and support-style characters like Braum. “Our approach is more fluid than strictly adhering to pre-defined archetypes,” he explained. “Consider Ekko, for instance. Is he a pure rush-down character, or a more intricate, tricky fighter? Our strength lies in our ability to take an archetype that a player might enjoy, examine a specific League of Legends champion, and then elevate that concept through the unique lens of a fighting game. This allows us to create experiences that feel both familiar and refreshingly novel. We believe every champion we bring into 2XKO will offer something distinct and enjoyable to the gameplay ecosystem.”
The Grand Stage: Dreaming of EVO Dominance
The prospect of 2XKO gracing the grand stage at EVO in the future was met with profound enthusiasm. “It would be an absolutely incredible feeling,” Rivera conveyed. “As a lifelong fighting game player and fan, seeing 2XKO compete at the highest level of esports has always been a dream. However, we understand that such a position must be earned. The community will be the ultimate arbiters of whether we’ve achieved that standing. We are committed to working tirelessly until we have proven our merit and earned that coveted spot on the grand stage.”
Accessibility for All: The Console Player’s Anticipation
Addressing the critical question of console accessibility, Rivera offered a measured response. “We have immense love and respect for our console player base,” he stated. “Our immediate priority, however, is to establish a robust and stable global presence for 2XKO on PC. Once that foundation is solidified, we will then focus on expanding our reach to other platforms. We are not planning to shut down the PC servers; in fact, we intend to keep them operational with only occasional maintenance. As soon as we have concrete information to share regarding console availability, we will do so. For now, we are focused on taking this crucial first step onto the PC platform.”
The journey of 2XKO is one marked by meticulous planning, a deep respect for its source material, and an unwavering commitment to player experience. As the closed beta approaches, the insights shared by Shaun Rivera paint a picture of a game poised to make a significant impact on the fighting game genre, driven by a passionate team dedicated to delivering an exceptional and evolving experience.