Deadlock, Valve's MOBA-shooter, has seen a significant player decline, with peak online counts now below 20,000. In response, Valve is adjusting its development strategy.
To improve the development process and deliver more substantial updates, Valve will abandon its previous bi-weekly update schedule. Future updates will be released on a flexible timeline, allowing for more thorough testing and implementation. Regular hotfixes will still be deployed as needed, the developers assure players.
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The shift comes after Deadlock's peak player count plummeted from over 170,000 to a current range of 18,000-20,000. While this decline is noteworthy, Valve maintains that the game, still in early access with no release date, is not in jeopardy. The developer emphasizes a commitment to quality over speed, prioritizing a polished final product. The flexible update schedule mirrors the evolution of Dota 2's development process. Furthermore, the potential development of a new Half-Life game may also be influencing resource allocation. The focus remains on creating a satisfying player experience, confident that a high-quality game will ultimately attract and retain players.