Deadlock's player base has significantly shrunk, with peak concurrent players now under 20,000. In response, Valve is altering its development strategy.
Valve will adjust its major update schedule, moving away from a fixed bi-weekly release 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 still be deployed as needed.
Image: discord.gg
The previous bi-weekly update schedule, while helpful, proved too rushed for optimal implementation, prompting the shift in approach. 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 the game's demise. Still in early development with no release date set, a 2025 or later launch is likely, especially considering Valve's apparent focus on a new Half-Life title.
Valve's prioritization of quality over speed is a deliberate choice. The developers believe a superior product will organically attract players and revenue, mirroring the development trajectory of Dota 2, which also saw a shift in its update frequency over time. Therefore, there's no immediate cause for alarm regarding Deadlock's future.
