Valve developer Yoshi explains Deadlock patch delay
Valve developer Yoshi has provided an update on the release window for the next major Deadlock patch.
Responding to a question about whether the update could arrive next week, Yoshi explained that development has taken longer than originally expected. Valve is still actively working on the patch, with the current release estimate set for late September.
The update could still be released earlier if it is ready, although Yoshi said that is currently unlikely.
Yoshi's full statement:
No, we're still working heavily on it. The update has taken longer than we expected, we had hoped it would be released by now. We know this isn't what you wanted to hear, especially with the recent community speculation that it could arrive any day now.
We wanted to wait on replying here until we knew if it simply needed another week or two or if it was needing a little longer than that, to give you more accurate information.
The best estimate we can make right now is that it will be late September. If we're able to release it sooner, we certainly will, but that is unlikely.
The delay is mainly due to the regular process of playtesting and iteration sometimes taking longer than expected, rather than a change in the scope of the update itself.
We hope you will like the update when it comes out, and we'll make sure to give you a heads up (or order a ton of pizza) when things are a few days away or so.
Yoshi clarified that the Deadlock patch delay is not related to the scope of the update being expanded. Instead, Valve needs more time for playtesting, iteration and polishing.
The final comment about ordering "a ton of pizza" also quickly turned into a joke within the Deadlock community. Players are now joking that activity at pizza restaurants near Valve's headquarters could become an unofficial indicator that the patch is getting close.
For now, however, the only official release window is late September. Valve also plans to give players a heads-up several days before the Deadlock update goes live.
