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.
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Previously adhering to a bi-weekly update schedule, Valve acknowledges that this rapid release cycle hindered thorough testing and implementation of changes. The new strategy will see a move away from a fixed update timeline. Major updates will be released less frequently, but with a greater focus on quality and substantial improvements, according to developers. Regular hotfixes will continue to address critical issues.
While the player count drop is notable, Valve assures players that this doesn't signal the game's demise. Deadlock remains in early access, with no release date set. The slower development pace is attributed to a focus on delivering a polished product, rather than rushing to meet arbitrary deadlines. This prioritization of quality, mirroring the evolution of Dota 2's development cycle, suggests a long-term commitment to Deadlock's success. The potential impact of a new Half-Life game also likely plays a role in resource allocation. Ultimately, Valve's strategy prioritizes creating a satisfying player experience, confident that a high-quality game will naturally attract and retain players.