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

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Previously operating on a bi-weekly update schedule, Valve acknowledges that this rapid release cycle hindered thorough testing and implementation. Moving forward, major updates will be released on a flexible schedule, prioritizing quality over frequency. Developers assure players that this will lead to more substantial and polished updates, while hotfixes will continue as needed.

While Deadlock's player base has plummeted from over 170,000 concurrent players to its current levels, this isn't necessarily a sign of failure. The game is still in early access, with no release date announced. The developers are prioritizing quality and a refined player experience, mirroring the development path of Valve's successful Dota 2. The shift in update frequency is a strategic decision to enhance the development process, not an indication of the game's demise. Given the potential prioritization of a new Half-Life title, a release in the near future seems unlikely. Valve's focus remains on delivering a polished product, confident that a positive player experience will ultimately drive success.