Recently, *Deadlock* has seen a significant decline in its player base, with peak online numbers now hovering around just 20,000 players. In response, Valve has announced a shift in its development strategy for the game. The company plans to move away from the bi-weekly update schedule that *Deadlock* initially followed, opting instead for a more flexible timeline. This change aims to allow the development team more time to refine and enhance updates, leading to more substantial improvements in the game.
Despite the drop in player numbers, *Deadlock* is still in its early stages of development and does not yet have a set release date. This means that fans shouldn't expect the game to launch in the near future, especially considering Valve's focus on other major projects like the highly anticipated new *Half-Life* game, which reportedly has been given the green light internally.
Valve's decision to adjust the update schedule is not a sign of trouble for *Deadlock*. Instead, it reflects the company's commitment to quality over speed. By allowing more time between updates, Valve can ensure that each patch significantly improves the game, potentially leading to a better overall experience for players. The company remains confident that satisfied players will ultimately drive the game's success and revenue.
This approach isn't new for Valve. For instance, *Dota 2* also saw changes in its development process over time. Initially, it had regular updates, but as the game matured, the update schedule evolved to better suit the game's needs and player expectations. Therefore, there's no need for concern; Valve is simply taking the time to craft a high-quality MOBA-shooter that will hopefully stand the test of time.
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