Valve Shifts Deadlock Development Amidst Digital Downturn

Deadlock, Valve's MOBA-shooter, has seen a significant player decline, with peak online counts now hovering around 18,000-20,000, a far cry from its initial peak exceeding 170,000. In response to this, Valve has announced a strategic shift in its development approach.

The previously bi-weekly update schedule is being scrapped in favor of a more flexible, less rigid timeline. This change, according to developers, aims to allow for more thorough testing and implementation of updates, ultimately resulting in more substantial and polished content releases. While major updates will be less frequent, hotfixes will continue to be deployed as needed.

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The developers acknowledge that the previous two-week cycle, while beneficial initially, didn't provide sufficient time for adequate testing and refinement. This prompted the decision to prioritize quality over frequency.

Despite the player drop-off, Valve maintains that Deadlock is not in jeopardy. The game is still in early access, with no official release date announced. The shift in development strategy is viewed as a means to improve the overall quality of the game, rather than a sign of impending failure. The company's focus, it seems, might also be partially diverted to the reportedly greenlit new Half-Life project.

Valve's approach mirrors that of Dota 2, which also transitioned to a less frequent update schedule as it matured. The company's emphasis on creating a high-quality, enjoyable experience suggests a long-term commitment to Deadlock's success, prioritizing player satisfaction over a rushed release.