Deadlock's player base has significantly shrunk, with peak concurrent players now under 20,000. In response, Valve is altering its development approach.
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 continue as needed.
Image: discord.gg
The previous bi-weekly update schedule, while helpful, proved too rushed for optimal implementation, prompting the strategic shift. Deadlock's player count has plummeted from over 170,000 concurrent players at its peak to a current range of 18,000-20,000.
However, this doesn't signal imminent failure. The MOBA-shooter remains in early access, with no release date set. A 2025 or later release is likely, especially considering Valve's apparent focus on a new Half-Life title.
Valve's prioritization of quality over speed is a deliberate strategy. The company believes a superior product will naturally attract and retain players, generating revenue organically. This approach mirrors the evolution of Dota 2's development cycle, which initially featured frequent updates before transitioning to a more refined process. Therefore, there's no immediate cause for alarm regarding Deadlock's future.
