2XKO Alpha Playtest Feedback Taken into Serious Consideration

2XKO's Alpha Lab Playtest has been live for just four days, yet it has already garnered a wealth of feedback from the community. Here's how 2XKO plans to refine the game based on player input.

2XKO to Refine Gameplay Based on Playtest Feedback

Players Call for Tamed Combos and Enhanced Tutorial Mode

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

Leveraging the game's connection to the League of Legends IP, the playtest has attracted a diverse player base. These players have shared feedback and clips online showcasing some powerful combos—many of which have been deemed overly punishing.

"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 stated in his tweet. The community indeed found ways to exploit the system, creating endless combos that left opponents helpless, especially when combined with the tag mechanic.

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

In response, one of the significant adjustments players can anticipate is a reduction in the occurrence of Touch of Death (TOD) combos, which can instantly knock out an opponent from full health. The developers aim to preserve the game's fast-paced and explosive nature while ensuring matches remain balanced and engaging.

Rivera acknowledged that some existing combos leading to TODs were anticipated. However, he emphasized that the team is carefully listening to player feedback and analyzing gameplay data to address these concerns. He clarified that TODs should be exceptional outcomes, requiring significant skill and resources to execute.

Beyond the issue of excessive combos, 2XKO's Tutorial Mode has also received criticism. While the game is relatively easy to pick up, mastering its intricacies is challenging. The lack of skill-based matchmaking in the playtest has intensified this issue, often matching new players against experienced ones.

Professional fighting game player Christopher "NYChrisG" even remarked that 2XKO is "not meant for everyone," pointing to its complex six-button input system and gameplay that he finds as intricate as, if not more 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 to improve the game’s Tutorial Mode. Players suggested adopting a tutorial structure similar to Guilty Gear Strive and Street Fighter 6, providing 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, the community's enthusiasm for the game remains high. Pro players like William "Leffen" Hjelte have shown their dedication, with Leffen streaming 19 hours straight of 2XKO. On Twitch, the game has attracted thousands of viewers, peaking at an impressive 60,425 on the first day of the playtest.

Although still in closed alpha with no confirmed release date, 2XKO shows great potential. The impressive Twitch viewership and the wealth of player feedback indicate a passionate community is forming around the game.

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