Valve to Optimize Deadlock Updates for Enhanced Stability

Deadlock Update Schedule Shifting in 2025

Valve has announced a change to its update strategy for Deadlock in 2025, prioritizing larger, less frequent patches over the consistent bi-weekly updates of 2024. This decision, communicated via the official Deadlock Discord, aims to streamline the development process and allow more time for internal iteration and external player feedback.

While this may disappoint some players accustomed to the rapid pace of updates, Valve assures that future updates will be more substantial and event-driven, offering significant content drops instead of smaller, incremental changes. The recent winter update, featuring unique gameplay alterations, serves as a preview of this new approach.

Deadlock, a free-to-play MOBA-style hero shooter, launched on Steam earlier in 2024 after initial gameplay leaks. It has quickly gained traction, standing out in a competitive market with its distinctive steampunk aesthetic and polished gameplay, even competing with the popular Marvel Rivals. The game currently boasts 22 playable characters, expandable to 30 with the addition of Hero Labs mode. A unique anti-cheat system further enhances the player experience.

Despite its success, Valve developer Yoshi explained the need for the update schedule adjustment. The previous two-week cycle, while initially beneficial, proved increasingly challenging for internal development and external player adaptation. The shift will involve larger, less frequent major patches, with hotfixes continuing as needed. No official release date has been set, but further announcements are expected in 2025. The expectation is that limited-time events and special game modes will continue to be a feature of Deadlock's ongoing development.

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Key takeaways:

• Reduced Update Frequency: Expect fewer, but larger, Deadlock updates in 2025.
• Larger Patch Sizes: Updates will focus on significant content additions and changes.
• Event-Driven Updates: The new strategy anticipates more limited-time events and special modes.
• No Official Release Date: A firm release date for Deadlock remains unannounced.