Deadlock Dev Uses ChatGPT to Help With Matchmaking Code

Valve's upcoming hero shooter, Deadlock, recently overhauled its matchmaking system, thanks to a surprising source: the AI chatbot ChatGPT. A Valve engineer, Fletcher Dunn, revealed on Twitter (X) that ChatGPT helped him discover the perfect algorithm.

ChatGPT's Role in Deadlock's Matchmaking Overhaul

The new matchmaking system utilizes the Hungarian algorithm, a solution suggested by ChatGPT itself. Dunn shared screenshots of his conversation with the AI, showcasing how ChatGPT provided this crucial recommendation.

Deadlock's previous MMR matchmaking had drawn significant criticism from players. Reddit threads were filled with complaints about uneven matches, with players consistently facing highly skilled opponents while their teammates lacked comparable experience. Common complaints included facing opponents far exceeding their skill level, particularly in early-game matches.

(c) r/DeadlockTheGameThe Deadlock team acknowledged these issues, promising a complete matchmaking system rewrite. Dunn's use of ChatGPT accelerated this process, leading to the implementation of the Hungarian algorithm.

Dunn highlighted ChatGPT's growing importance in his workflow, noting it's become an indispensable tool. He expressed his enthusiasm for the AI's capabilities, while also acknowledging the potential downsides of relying on such technology. He raised concerns about the displacement of human interaction, a sentiment echoed by some social media users who expressed skepticism about AI replacing programmers.

Algorithms are essential for sorting data based on specific parameters. In gaming, this translates to matching players based on skill and preferences. Dunn specifically sought an algorithm where only one side (e.g., a player) had preferences, ensuring optimal matches in a two-party scenario.

Despite the improvements, some Deadlock players remain unhappy with the current matchmaking. Some expressed frustration on social media, attributing recent negative experiences directly to the ChatGPT-assisted changes.

Here at Game8, we remain optimistic about Deadlock's potential. For a detailed look at our playtest experience and overall thoughts on the game, check out our dedicated article (link below).