Riot Games, the studio behind League of Legends, is launching a closed beta for a new game. However, even though it takes place in the same universe and brings back some popular characters, it is getting little attention. According to early players, it is really fun.
What kind of game is it? It is called 2XKO (formerly Project L) and has been in development at Riot Games for a while. If you are wondering about the name: It is supposed to be strange, says the executive producer, and for good reason.
Gameplay-wise, it is a fighting game. You compete in 2v2 battles, similar to the “Marvel vs. Capcom” series. Many well-known characters from League of Legends are included, such as Vi and Blitzcrank. The latter just got a new trailer a few days ago.
You can watch this trailer here:
Little attention, but still really good
Hardly anyone has the game on their radar: Despite a strong IP behind it, most trailers on the official YouTube channel for 2XKO do not reach 500,000 views. The gameplay sneak peek for Jinx with 1.2 million views is a rare exception. Riot Games did not heavily promote the launch of the closed beta on September 9.
How is it being received by players? According to early testers, the fighting game is already a lot of fun. This is evident on Reddit, where there is a dedicated subreddit for the game at r/2XKO.
- “Ok, real talk, this state of the game is AWESOME,” writes Wise-Ad-9619 in a Reddit post. “Game feels like honey on my lips, all have purpurse, all just feels right. […] I have fun searching stuff, combos, setups by myself for the first time in like a decade.”
- Even constructive criticism usually starts with sentences like “I’m having a ton of fun tryharding the game and also playing with friends in 2v2” (Reddit) or “First and foremost, this game slaps.” (Reddit)
“Play League characters without playing League”
Other players are just happy to play with the characters from League of Legends without having to touch the MOBA. This is celebrated by this Reddit post.
- “Genuinely the biggest reason I’m interested in the game. I can play Vi without having to get my ass kicked in jungle.” (nordic_fatcheese on Reddit)
- “Playing Braum and Blitz in a fighting game after so many years of League feels odd in a good way. It’s like “Hey Yasuo/DPS main, you remember ganking me in bot lane you mother f*cker? its time to pay!” (No-Somewhere-7540 on Reddit)
- “Real shit. I really like a lot about league as an outsider but the community is just not it for me. That’s why I’m hoping they add the chars I like so I don’t ever have to look at the moba again.” (signs_to_let_go on Reddit)
How can I participate in the beta? Anyone who participated in Alpha Labs 1 and 2 will receive direct access to the beta. Others can register through the link play2xko.com/beta. Throughout the beta, more invitations will be sent out.
For more information on the beta, you can find it in the official FAQ at 2XKO.riotgames.com
Riot Games is also still working on an MMORPG for League of Legends. However, there is still not much known about it – not even a name. Recently, there was a new update on the game in July, although not official: A new job posting at Riot Games reveals the state of the LoL MMORPG
