Deadlock Update Schedule Shifting in 2025
Valve has announced a change in its update strategy for Deadlock in 2025, moving towards larger, less frequent patches. This shift follows a year of consistent updates in 2024. The decision, explained as necessary to improve the development process, aims to allow for more substantial changes and better testing before release. While this might disappoint some players accustomed to the regular updates, it promises more significant content drops in the future.
Deadlock, Valve's free-to-play MOBA, launched on Steam earlier in 2024, quickly gaining popularity in the competitive hero-shooter market, even alongside established titles like Marvel Rivals. Its unique steampunk aesthetic and polished gameplay have been key factors in its success. The game has undergone considerable evolution throughout 2024, but Valve's new approach emphasizes quality over frequency.
According to PCGamesN, Valve developer Yoshi explained the change on the official Deadlock Discord. The previous two-week update cycle proved challenging for internal iteration and external testing. The new approach will feature major patches less frequently, but these will be more substantial, akin to events rather than small hotfixes. Hotfixes will still be deployed as needed.
The recent winter update showcased this new direction, offering a significant departure from the usual balance adjustments. This suggests a future with more limited-time events and special modes. Yoshi confirmed that major patches will no longer follow a fixed schedule.
Deadlock currently boasts 22 playable characters, with an additional 8 available in Hero Labs mode. Its innovative anti-cheat measures and diverse character roster have contributed to its positive reception. While an official release date remains unannounced, further Deadlock news is expected in 2025.
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Key Takeaways:
- Reduced Update Frequency: Deadlock updates will be less frequent in 2025.
- Larger Patch Sizes: Future updates will be more substantial and event-driven.
- Continued Hotfixes: Smaller fixes will still be released as required.
- No Official Release Date: The official launch date for Deadlock remains unconfirmed.
