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

By CarterFeb 02,2025

Deadlock's player base has significantly shrunk, with peak online numbers now under 20,000. In response, Valve is altering its development approach.

Major updates will no longer follow a strict bi-weekly schedule. Instead, updates will be released on a more flexible timeline, prioritizing quality over frequency. A developer stated that this will allow for more substantial and polished updates. Regular hotfixes will continue as needed.

Valve Adjusts Deadlock Development Following Player DeclineImage: discord.gg

The previous two-week update cycle, while helpful, proved insufficient for thorough testing and implementation of changes. This prompted the strategic shift.

Deadlock's player count has plummeted from over 170,000 at its peak to a current 18,000-20,000. However, this doesn't signal impending doom. The game is still in early access, with no release date set. A 2025 or later release is highly probable, particularly considering Valve's apparent focus on the internally approved new Half-Life project.

Valve's deliberate pace emphasizes quality over speed. The company believes a superior product will naturally attract players and revenue. The change in development strategy prioritizes developer efficiency, mirroring the evolution of Dota 2's update schedule. Therefore, there's no immediate cause for alarm regarding Deadlock's future.

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