Deadlock's player base has significantly shrunk, with peak online numbers now under 20,000. In response, Valve has announced a revised development strategy.
Valve will adjust its major update schedule, moving away from a fixed bi-weekly release cycle. This change, according to developers, will allow for more thorough testing and implementation of updates, resulting in more substantial and polished releases. Hotfixes will still be deployed as needed.
Image: discord.gg
The previous two-week update cycle, while initially beneficial, proved too restrictive for optimal development, prompting the shift in approach. Deadlock's player count has plummeted from over 170,000 at its peak to a current range of 18,000-20,000 daily players.
However, this doesn't necessarily signal impending doom. Deadlock, still in early access with no release date set, is far from finished. Given the early development stage and potential prioritization of the seemingly greenlit new Half-Life project, a release in the near future is unlikely.
Valve's focus remains on quality over speed. The company believes a superior product will naturally attract and retain players, justifying the adjusted development pace. This mirrors the development trajectory of Dota 2, which also saw a shift in update frequency over time. Therefore, the change shouldn't be viewed with alarm.
