Amid an online decline, Valve changes the development flow for Deadlock

Deadlock's player base has significantly shrunk, with peak online numbers now under 20,000. In response, Valve is altering its development strategy.

Valve will adjust its major update release schedule, moving away from a fixed bi-weekly cycle. This change, according to a developer, will allow for more thorough testing and implementation of updates, resulting in more substantial and polished releases. Regular hotfixes will still be deployed as needed.

Image: discord.gg

The previous bi-weekly update schedule, while helpful, proved too rushed for optimal implementation, prompting the shift in approach. Deadlock's player count has plummeted from over 170,000 at its peak to a current range of 18,000-20,000 daily players.

However, this doesn't signal the game's demise. Still in early access with no release date set, the game's development timeline is flexible. A 2025 or later release is likely, especially considering Valve's apparent focus on a new Half-Life title.

Valve's revised approach prioritizes quality over speed. The developers believe a superior product will naturally attract and retain players, making this a strategic shift focused on long-term development efficiency. This mirrors the evolution of Dota 2's update schedule, demonstrating a precedent for this approach. Therefore, there's no immediate cause for alarm regarding Deadlock's future.