2XKO is making its triumphant return to Evo in 2025, and I had the opportunity to chat with the game’s director, Shaun Rivera. We delved into various subjects, but one topic reignited interest: the Yordle characters.
Yordles have consistently posed a challenge for me in this game. In fact, I previously asked Shaun about them at Evo 2024. At that time, their height posed a significant gameplay hurdle. Shaun expressed concerns about how frustrating it could be to lose to a character primarily due to their size, rather than player skill.
Curious if his perspective had changed since our last discussion, I asked Rivera about the potential inclusion of Yordles in the game. It seems he’s become more open to the idea.
“One of the things we’re not excited about is when you fight against a character solely because of their size,” Rivera shared with Moyens I/O. “Oh, man, they’re so small that my combos drop, and now I have to learn an entirely new set of combos just for this one character, right? There are numerous ways small characters can be made to work without frustrating players, as we see in other fighting games like Granblue Fantasy Versus.
During our conversation, I brought up various ideas we discussed in our previous encounter. For instance, using Lulu’s ultimate to enlarge Yordles seemed appealing, but we agreed that drastic changes might not translate well visually. The notion of two Yordles in a trench coat even made Rivera chuckle.
“The topic of Yordles is frequently brought up since they are unique to the IP,” he mentioned. “People have strong opinions about them. There’s a demand for unusual characters that players want to engage with.” Rivera emphasized their commitment to delivering what the fans request.
I pressed Rivera on the possibility of adding Yordles to the game, especially with suggestions like Rumble in his mech. While he remained somewhat reserved, he left me with a glimmer of hope.
“If people really want this type of gameplay or character, we’re going to find a way.”
So, perhaps there is hope for Yordles after all, in all their varied forms. We can all keep our fingers crossed, especially for those of us who cherish Bandle City.
What challenges are Yordles facing in 2XKO? The height differences pose significant gameplay risks, but the development team is exploring creative solutions.
Could Yordles realistically fit into the game’s roster? Rivera is open to innovative ways to incorporate them without disrupting gameplay balance.
What fan-favorite Yordle characters might be included? Many players are hoping for iconic figures like Rumble and others, but the team is still considering the best approach.
What considerations come into play when designing small characters? Developers aim to balance abilities with gameplay mechanics, ensuring a fair fight for all players, regardless of character size.
How does the team gather player feedback on character inclusion? Shaun mentioned that they closely monitor community wishes, actively looking to meet demand wherever possible.
Exciting times lie ahead, and it’s clear that the team is listening. For updates and more insights, continue to explore related content at Moyens I/O.