ChatGPT Aids Dev in Overcoming Deadlock Challenge

Valve's upcoming MOBA-hero shooter, Deadlock, recently overhauled its matchmaking system, leveraging the power of ChatGPT. A developer, Fletcher Dunn, revealed on Twitter (now X) that the Hungarian algorithm, identified through a ChatGPT interaction, now underpins the game's hero selection process during matchmaking.

Addressing Player Concerns

Deadlock's previous MMR-based matchmaking faced significant criticism from players. Reddit threads were filled with complaints about uneven skill matchups, with players frequently encountering vastly superior opponents while their teammates lacked comparable experience. One player stated, "I get harder games with better enemies, but never equally skilled teammates," echoing the sentiment of many.

(c) r/DeadlockTheGame The Deadlock team acknowledged these issues, with a developer previously stating on Discord that the hero-based MMR system needed a complete rewrite. The implementation of the Hungarian algorithm, facilitated by ChatGPT, represents the culmination of this effort.

Dunn's enthusiastic tweets highlight ChatGPT's increasing utility in his workflow, stating he keeps a dedicated browser tab open for the AI chatbot. He even plans to continue sharing his "ChatGPT wins," aiming to demonstrate the tool's capabilities to skeptics.

However, Dunn also acknowledges a potential downside: the displacement of human interaction. He notes that using ChatGPT often replaces seeking advice from colleagues or the broader community. This sentiment was echoed by a social media user who commented on the skepticism surrounding AI replacing programmers.

How the Algorithm Works

Algorithms are essentially sets of rules designed to process data. In Deadlock's context, the Hungarian algorithm addresses a specific problem: matchmaking where only one side (the player) has preferences. It aims to find the optimal match, considering player preferences while creating balanced teams.

Despite the improvements, some players remain dissatisfied, expressing their frustration with the matchmaking system's recent performance. Comments on Dunn's tweets range from disappointment to outright anger.

Despite the negative feedback, Game8 remains optimistic about Deadlock's potential, encouraging readers to learn more about the game through a linked article detailing playtest experiences.