Deadlock's player base has significantly shrunk, with peak online numbers 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 still be deployed as needed.
Image: discord.gg
The previous bi-weekly update cycle, while helpful, proved too rushed to allow for adequate testing and integration of changes. This prompted the shift in strategy.
Deadlock's player count has plummeted from over 170,000 at its peak to a current 18,000-20,000. However, this doesn't necessarily signal trouble. The game is still 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 prioritizing quality over speed, believing a superior product will naturally attract players and revenue. The change in development pace primarily benefits the developers, mirroring the evolution of Dota 2's update schedule. Therefore, there's no immediate reason for alarm.
