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 under 20,000. In response, Valve is adjusting its development strategy.

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Previously operating on a bi-weekly update schedule, Valve acknowledges this rapid release cycle hindered thorough testing and implementation. Future major updates will be released on a flexible schedule, prioritizing quality over frequency. While major updates will be less frequent, developers assure players that hotfixes will continue to address urgent issues. This revised approach aims to deliver more substantial, polished updates.

Deadlock's player base has plummeted from over 170,000 peak concurrent players to its current 18,000-20,000. However, this doesn't signal imminent failure. The game remains in early access, with no release date set. Given the game's early development stage and Valve's apparent focus on a new Half-Life title, a 2025 release is unlikely.

Valve's deliberate pace reflects a commitment to quality. The company's strategy prioritizes player satisfaction, believing a superior product will naturally attract players and revenue. This approach mirrors the evolution of Dota 2's development cycle, initially featuring frequent updates before transitioning to a more refined process. Therefore, the change in Deadlock's update schedule shouldn't be interpreted as a sign of trouble.