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 now opted for a more flexible release timeline for major updates. This change, according to developers, allows for more thorough testing and implementation of significant gameplay improvements. While major updates will be less frequent, hotfixes will continue to be deployed as needed.

The developers state that the previous two-week cycle, while initially beneficial, proved insufficient for properly integrating and assessing the impact of changes. This adjustment reflects a prioritization of quality over rapid iteration.

Despite the player count drop, Valve emphasizes that Deadlock remains in early development, with no release date currently set. The game's future prospects are further influenced by the apparent internal approval of a new Half-Life title, suggesting a potential shift in resource allocation. Valve's approach mirrors the evolution of Dota 2's update schedule, suggesting a long-term commitment to refining Deadlock into a polished, high-quality experience. The focus, ultimately, remains on creating a satisfying game that will organically attract and retain players.