Valve to Reduce Deadlock Update Frequency

Summary

• Valve will slow down Deadlock updates in 2025, focusing on bigger and less frequent patches.
• The game's winter update brought unique changes to Deadlock, hinting at future limited-time events.
• An official release date has not yet been confirmed.

Valve, the renowned game developer, has announced plans to adjust its update strategy for the free-to-play MOBA, Deadlock, moving into 2025. After a year filled with regular updates in 2024, Valve aims to shift towards delivering larger, less frequent updates. This change comes as the company seeks to enhance its development process, which has been challenged by the current update schedule.

Deadlock, which made its debut on Steam early in 2024 following a gameplay leak, has quickly established itself within the competitive hero-shooter genre. Its distinctive steampunk-inspired aesthetic, coupled with Valve's signature polish, has helped the game stand out, even against heavyweights like Marvel Rivals. Despite the game's evolution over the past year, Valve is set to reduce the frequency of its updates.

According to a statement from Valve developer Yoshi, shared on the official Deadlock Discord, the decision to slow down updates stems from the limitations of their previous two-week cycle. "As we start 2025, we are going to be adjusting our update schedule to help improve our development process," Yoshi explained. This shift means that while updates will be less frequent, they will be more substantial and event-like, rather than the smaller hotfixes players have grown accustomed to.

Valve's commitment to enhancing Deadlock was evident in the game's special winter update, which introduced unique changes and hinted at the potential for future limited-time events. Yoshi further elaborated that major patches will no longer follow a fixed schedule but will be larger and more spaced out. Hotfixes, however, will continue to be released as needed to address immediate issues.

Currently, Deadlock boasts a roster of 22 characters, ranging from tanks to flankers, which can be used in regular game modes. Additionally, the game's Hero Labs mode allows players to experiment with eight more heroes. Despite not having an official release date, Deadlock has already garnered attention for its diverse characters, innovative approach to anti-cheating measures, and overall creativity. Players can look forward to more news and developments regarding Deadlock in 2025.