Amid an online decline, Valve changes the development flow for Deadlock

Deadlock, Valve's MOBA-shooter, has seen a significant player decline, with peak online counts now hovering around 18,000-20,000, a far cry from its initial peak exceeding 170,000. In response to this, Valve has announced a strategic shift in its development approach.

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Previously adhering to a bi-weekly update schedule, Valve has determined that this rapid release cycle hindered the proper implementation and testing of changes. Therefore, future major updates will be released on a less rigid timeline, prioritizing quality over frequency. While the schedule for major updates is now flexible, developers assure players that hotfixes will continue to be deployed as needed. This revised strategy aims to deliver more substantial, thoroughly tested updates.

Despite the player count drop, Valve maintains that Deadlock is not in jeopardy. The game remains in early access, with no official release date announced. The developer's focus is on delivering a polished product, prioritizing quality over speed. This approach mirrors the evolution of Dota 2's development cycle, suggesting a long-term commitment to Deadlock's success. The potential for a new Half-Life game to take precedence is acknowledged, but the developers emphasize their commitment to creating a satisfying player experience. The shift in update frequency is primarily a matter of optimizing the development process for improved quality and player satisfaction.