Valve has released a new development update for its invite-only MOBA, Deadlock, emphasizing that the game remains too unfinished for a public release, despite significant ongoing work. The update, shared via a Steam news post, highlights the team's continued efforts to shape the game with player feedback but provides no clear indication of when Deadlock might become accessible to a broader audience.
"We think building a multiplayer game is very hard and risky, and the best way to minimize that risk [is] to make sure that we are able to have it in players' hands from an early state to help us shape it and tell us what is fun and what isn't," Valve stated in the update.
This follows a substantial update earlier this year, titled "Old Gods, New Blood," which introduced six new heroes and overhauled many existing visual assets. While that update brought a notable level of polish to maps and game systems, Valve explained that the team has since shifted focus to working on numerous aspects of the game concurrently. The recent "City Never Sleeps" update incorporates many of these parallel developments, including a redesigned map and new items. However, elements such as progression systems and hero/hideout customizations are still being actively adjusted based on playtesting feedback before the game's eventual full release.
Valve also revealed that more speculative features are in development, including potential item redesigns and additions, as well as alternative game modes. These new modes could expand the game's scope and may include a rumored PvE mode developed by former Risk of Rain developers. While visual updates for older heroes were initially planned for later in early development, Valve indicated that these will likely be gradually implemented in upcoming updates.
The development team's decision to continue refining core mechanics and systems before a public launch leaves the timeline for Deadlock's wider release uncertain. The focus on extensive parallel development suggests that Valve is prioritizing a comprehensive vision for the game, even if it means a prolonged period of limited access.