Unannounced Super Smash Bros. Inspired Fighting Game Cancelled by Riot – Rumour

Riot Games is planning on broadening the horizons of the League of Legends universe with the addition of a new fighting game, 2XKO, set to launch next year. It is rumored that, until recently, it wasn't the only battler developed by the company set within the League universe.

Journalist Mikhail Klimentov has indicated that Riot Games had in mind a platform fighting game named Pool Party, inspired by Super Smash Bros, before its abrupt discontinuation earlier this year. Riot Games' goal was to make this game an esports-oriented combat game, taking inspiration specifically from Super Smash Bros. Melee. Up to 70 to 80 developers were entrusted with the task before its cancellation.

Pool Party was initially planned as an intense platform fighter targeting esports, but the disappointing reception of MultiVersus, a free-to-play platform from WB Games, caused quite a stir among Riot Games executives. Attempts were made to incorporate more casual aspects into the game, leading to internal strife within the development team. 

Riot Games' senior public relations director, Joe Hixson, didn't deny the development of Pool Party, stating that Riot Games is always engaged in various research and development projects that undergo periodic reviews throughout the year.

Klimentov's report suggests that nearly half of the developers working on Pool Party were given opportunities to transition to other Riot Games projects after the game was discontinued, while the rest of the team was left seeking opportunities via the company's internal job portal.