Deadlock, Valve's MOBA-shooter, is undergoing a development shift in response to a significant player decline. Peak concurrent players have plummeted from over 170,000 to a current range of 18,000-20,000. This change doesn't signal the game's demise, however.
Valve is abandoning its previous bi-weekly update schedule. The developers found this cadence too rushed, hindering the proper implementation and testing of changes. Future updates will be released on a more flexible timeline, prioritizing quality and substantial improvements over frequent, smaller patches. Hotfixes will still be deployed as needed.
Image: discord.gg
This strategic adjustment reflects Deadlock's early access status. The game lacks a release date and is still in the early stages of development. With a potential new Half-Life game also in the works, a release in the near future seems unlikely.
Valve's approach emphasizes long-term quality over rapid iteration, mirroring the development trajectory of its successful title, Dota 2. The company believes a polished product will ultimately attract and retain players, making this a strategic move focused on sustainable development rather than a sign of impending failure.
