Valve Plans Major Overhaul of Deadlock Matchmaking System Amidst Player Frustration

Valve has announced plans to significantly overhaul a key background feature in Deadlock to address the game's current matchmaking problems. Responding to a fan's inquiry about how players are matched together, a developer confirmed on Discord (via Reddit) that the current hero-based MMR (Matchmaking Rating) system "isn't working well" in its present form.

The developer elaborated that the system will become much more effective after a complete rewrite of the matchmaking system is finished. However, Valve has yet to provide specific details about how Deadlock's Closed Alpha groups players behind the scenes, leaving it uncertain whether skill-based matchmaking plays a role.

Judging by the community's feedback, these changes can't come soon enough. Many players have voiced frustration over the current skill imbalances. One fan commented, "Glad to hear this. Matchmaking has really been affecting my enjoyment. Hopefully, it'll be fairer after the update." Another player added, "It was pretty clear something was off. I've had many well-balanced matches, but there were also games where it was obvious my opponent was either way better than me or much worse."

Valve hasn't clarified whether the upcoming rewrite will completely replace the hero-based matchmaking system with something entirely new or if it will just improve the existing system. Since the game is still in development, it's likely that further changes will be made as progress continues.

Following a major balance patch on August 29, Valve released another update on September 1, which included several adjustments to heroes, notably nerfing Viscous.