Deadlock, Valve's MOBA-shooter, has seen a significant player decline, with peak online counts now under 20,000. In response, Valve is adjusting its development strategy.
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Previously employing a bi-weekly update schedule, Valve has found this timeframe insufficient for thorough testing and implementation. The new approach will feature less frequent, but more substantial, major updates with no fixed release dates. Regular hotfixes will continue as needed. This change aims to improve the development process and ultimately deliver a higher-quality product.
While Deadlock's peak player count once exceeded 170,000, it has fallen to 18,000-20,000 by early 2025. However, this doesn't necessarily indicate the game is failing. Still in early access with no release date set, the game's development is ongoing. The shift in update frequency prioritizes quality over speed, mirroring Valve's approach with Dota 2's evolution. With a potential new Half-Life game also in the pipeline, a delayed Deadlock release is plausible, but shouldn't be cause for alarm. Valve's focus remains on creating a satisfying player experience, believing a high-quality product will ultimately attract and retain players.