Amid an online decline, Valve changes the development flow for Deadlock

Deadlock, Valve's MOBA-shooter, has seen a significant player decline, with peak online counts now hovering around 18,000-20,000, a far cry from its initial peak of over 170,000. In response to this, Valve has announced a strategic shift in its development approach.

To improve the development process and allow for more thorough testing and implementation of changes, Valve will move away from its previous bi-weekly update schedule. Future updates will be released on a less rigid timeline, prioritizing quality and substance over frequency. While major updates will be less frequent, developers assure players that hotfixes will continue to address urgent issues as needed. A developer stated that the previous two-week cycle, while helpful, didn't provide sufficient time for updates to fully integrate and function optimally.

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This change in strategy doesn't necessarily signal trouble for Deadlock. The game is still in early access and lacks a release date. Given the ongoing development and the potential prioritization of other Valve projects (such as the rumored new Half-Life game), a release in the near future seems unlikely.

Valve's revised approach mirrors the evolution of Dota 2's update cycle, suggesting a focus on long-term quality and player satisfaction. The company's emphasis on creating a polished product, rather than adhering to a strict release schedule, indicates a commitment to delivering a successful game in the long run. The belief is that a high-quality game will ultimately attract and retain players, negating the need for rushed updates.