Valve Revamps Development for Deadlock Amid Market Concerns

Deadlock Player Count Plummets, Valve Adjusts Development Strategy

Deadlock, Valve's MOBA-shooter, has seen a significant decline in its player base, with peak online counts now rarely exceeding 20,000. In response, Valve has announced a revised approach to the game's development cycle.

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Previously adhering to a bi-weekly update schedule, Valve has determined that this timeframe proved insufficient for thorough testing and implementation of changes. Moving forward, major updates will be released on a less frequent, flexible schedule, prioritizing quality over strict deadlines. A developer confirmed that this will allow for more substantial and polished updates. Regular hotfixes will continue as needed.

The game, which once boasted peak player counts exceeding 170,000 on Steam, has experienced a dramatic drop to the current 18,000-20,000 range. However, this downturn doesn't necessarily signal trouble. Deadlock remains in early development, with no release date set. The shift in update frequency is primarily aimed at streamlining the development process and ensuring a higher-quality final product. The likelihood of a release in 2025, or even beyond, is high, particularly given the apparent internal approval for a new Half-Life title.

Valve's strategy reflects a commitment to long-term quality, mirroring the evolution of Dota 2's development process. The focus remains on creating a satisfying player experience, confident that a superior game will ultimately attract and retain players. This adjustment, therefore, should be viewed as a positive step toward delivering a polished and enjoyable gaming experience.