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.
Image: discord.gg
Previously adhering to a bi-weekly update schedule, Valve has determined that this rapid release cycle hindered the proper implementation and testing of significant changes. The new strategy will involve less frequent, but more substantial, major updates with no fixed release timeline. Regular hotfixes will still be deployed as needed. A developer stated that this revised schedule will allow for more thorough development and higher-quality updates.
While the player count drop is notable, it's important to remember Deadlock remains in early access, with no official release date announced. The game's development is ongoing, and the shift in update frequency is a strategic adjustment, not necessarily an indication of the game's failure. The potential development of a new Half-Life game may also be influencing resource allocation.
Valve's approach prioritizes long-term quality over rapid iteration, mirroring the development path of its successful title, Dota 2. The company believes that a superior product will ultimately attract and retain players, making this a calculated move focused on optimizing the development process. Therefore, there's no immediate cause for alarm regarding the future of Deadlock.
