Deadlock, Valve's MOBA-shooter, is undergoing a development shift in response to a significant player decline. Peak concurrent players have plummeted from over 170,000 to a current range of 18,000-20,000. This has prompted Valve to revise its update schedule.
Previously employing a bi-weekly update cycle, Valve now plans to release major updates on a flexible, non-fixed timeline. This change, according to developers, will allow for more thorough testing and implementation of improvements, resulting in more substantial and polished updates. Regular hotfixes will continue as needed.
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The developers acknowledge the previous two-week cycle was beneficial but ultimately insufficient for ensuring the stability and effectiveness of implemented changes. This strategic shift reflects a prioritization of quality over a strict release schedule.
While the player count decrease is noteworthy, it doesn't necessarily signal the game's demise. Deadlock remains in early access, with no official release date announced. The game's development timeline is likely further impacted by Valve's internal focus on a new Half-Life title.
Valve's approach mirrors the evolution of Dota 2, which also saw a change in its update frequency as development progressed. The company's focus remains on delivering a high-quality product, believing that a satisfied player base will organically drive revenue. Therefore, the altered development strategy should be viewed as a positive step towards enhancing the game's long-term success.
