Valve Reinvents Deadlock Development Amidst Digital Shift

Deadlock, Valve's MOBA-shooter, has seen a significant player drop, with peak online numbers now below 20,000. In response, Valve is adjusting its development strategy.

The previously bi-weekly update schedule is being scrapped in favor of a more flexible approach. Major updates will no longer adhere to a fixed timeline, allowing for more thorough development and higher-quality releases, according to a developer. Regular hotfixes will still be deployed as needed.

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The developers acknowledged that the previous two-week cycle, while beneficial, didn't allow sufficient time for implemented changes to fully stabilize and function optimally. This prompted the strategic shift.

While Deadlock's peak player count once surpassed 170,000, it has plummeted to 18,000-20,000 by early 2025. However, this doesn't necessarily signal trouble. The game is still in early access, with no release date set. A 2025 or even later release is plausible, particularly considering Valve's apparent focus on a new Half-Life title.

Valve's revised approach prioritizes quality over speed. The company believes a superior product will organically attract and retain players, ultimately proving more profitable. This mirrors the development trajectory of Dota 2, which also transitioned to a less frequent, more substantial update schedule after its initial launch. Therefore, the change shouldn't be viewed with alarm.