(Photo : Valve / Screenshot taken from Steam)
Valve announced that it would be slowing down the rollout of updates for its upcoming hero shooter MOBA "Deadlock" to enable the studio to improve its development process.
The game is currently an invite-only title that is still in the very early development stages. However, fans can already expect major patches to come less frequently as the team adjusts the schedule for updates.
Slowing Down Deadlock Updates
The news was shared by Valve developer "Yoshi" on the official "Deadlock" Discord server. They also explained that the update schedule adjustments will help the studio. Yoshi added that frequent updates were very helpful in the beginning.
However, they argued that they found the fixed two-week cycle made it much more difficult for the development team to iterate on certain types of changes internally. It also did not give the updates enough time to settle externally before the next update was rolled out, according to Games Radar.
Read Also: Steam Replay 2024: Valve Shows Off Players' Online Gaming Stats Throughout the Year
This was the reason why Valve decided to change things up so that major patches for "Deadlock" are no longer on a fixed schedule. This means that they will be a bit more "spaced out" but will be larger compared to before.
The studio also reassured players that hotfixes will still be rolled out as needed to address immediate concerns with the game. This is so that players are not left waiting for important changes to "Deadlock."
Spacing Out Major Patches
Valve's fixed two-week schedule for updates made "Deadlock" a lot better over a short period of time. The changes that have been implemented include detailed map finishes, new ways for players to traverse buildings, and fine-tuning of hero abilities, PCGamer said.
The game frequently received various buffs and nerfs to its heroes, which were made in record time. While this had its benefits, as it meant that no character remained overpowered for too long, it also made it difficult for players to keep up.
A lot of players support Valve's decision to space out major patches for "Deadlock" as they understand the situation. One player said that it is a great change, particularly because the game is still in its early version.
Valve first released "Deadlock" on Steam early last year after gameplay of it leaked online beforehand. The game got a special winter update late in 2024 that offered players a change of pace compared to the usual balance changes that were made throughout the year.
Fans expect that the studio will continue with similar limited-time events and special modes to keep players engaged with "Deadlock" for a long time to come, according to Game Rant.
Related Article: Valve is Rumored to be Working on Deadlock, a New Overwatch-Style 6v6 Shooter
