2XKO Alpha Playtest Feedback Seriously Considered

The 2XKO Alpha Lab Playtest has been live for just four days, yet it has already garnered a wealth of player feedback. Here's how 2XKO plans to address these insights and enhance the gaming experience.

2XKO to Refine Gameplay Based on Playtest Feedback

Players Call for Tamed Combos and Enhanced Tutorial Mode

2XKO’s director, Shaun Rivera, recently used Twitter(X) to share that the team is actively adjusting the upcoming fighting game based on the feedback received during the Alpha Lab Playtest.

Given its connection to the League of Legends universe, 2XKO attracted a significant player base. These players provided valuable feedback and shared clips of some powerful combos online, which many considered overly dominant.

"One of the reasons we were excited for a ton of folks to get early hands on in Alpha Lab along with ensuring a training mode was available was to see what ways players cracked things wide open," Rivera tweeted. Players indeed found ways to exploit the system, creating endless combos that left opponents with little control, especially when combined with the tag mechanic.

Rivera praised these creative combos but also noted that "super long periods of low-to-zero agency are undesirable."

A key adjustment players can anticipate is a reduction in the frequency of Touch of Death (TOD) or instant kill combos that can knock out an opponent from full health. While the developers aim to preserve the game's fast-paced and explosive nature, they are committed to ensuring matches remain balanced and engaging.

Rivera acknowledged that some existing combos leading to TODs were "expected," but stressed that the team is attentively analyzing player feedback and gameplay data to address these concerns. He clarified that TODs should be exceptional outcomes, requiring significant skill and resources to execute.

Aside from the issue of excessive combos, 2XKO’s Tutorial Mode has also received criticism. While the game is easy to pick up, mastering its complexities presents a significant challenge. The lack of skill-based matchmaking in the playtest has made this issue more pronounced, often matching inexperienced players against seasoned veterans.

Professional fighting game player Christopher "NYChrisG" described 2XKO as "not meant for everyone," pointing to its complex six-button input system and gameplay that is as intricate as, if not more so than, titles like Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid, and BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle.

In response to the feedback, Rivera stated, "I have heard feedback that folks want to see a lot more from our Tutorial in order to more easily onboard players to the game. This version is a rough pass, so please expect it to improve significantly in the future."

The developers are actively working to enhance 2XKO, as demonstrated by a recent Reddit post where a tutorial team member sought player feedback on improving the game’s Tutorial Mode. Players suggested adopting a tutorial structure similar to Guilty Gear Strive and Street Fighter 6, offering more in-depth training beyond basic combos, and introducing an advanced tutorial covering complex concepts like frame data.

2XKO Players Remain Enthusiastic Amidst Feedback

Despite these criticisms, many players are enjoying the fighting game. Professional players like William "Leffen" Hjelte have shown their enthusiasm, with Leffen streaming 19 hours straight of 2XKO. On Twitch, the game has attracted thousands of viewers, peaking at an impressive 60,425 during the first day of the playtest.

Currently in closed alpha with no confirmed release date, 2XKO still has rough edges to smooth out. However, its strong Twitch viewership and the abundance of player feedback indicate great potential and a passionate community forming around it.

Interested in experiencing 2XKO’s Alpha Lab Playtest? Check out the article below to learn how to register!