For the first time since late August, Deadlock has seen its player count dip below 100,000. Let’s delve into the details surrounding this decline, including the game’s past metrics and possible reasons for this shift.
Player Count Decline
According to Steam Database, a third-party site tracking Steam game metrics, Deadlock‘s player count dropped to 95,361 on October 2, 2024. This marks the first occasion in over a month that the game has fallen below the 100k threshold.
The last recorded count below this mark was on August 28, 2024, with 98,535 players before the numbers surged throughout September.
Peak Player Count
Deadlock experienced its peak player count on September 2, 2024, reaching 171,490 active players. This remarkable surge added over 70,000 new players within just four days, largely due to VALORANT influencer AverageJonas announcing his switch to Deadlock, coupled with endorsements from other esports personalities.
Throughout September, the player count remained consistently above 100,000, with noticeable spikes during weekends.
Why Is the Player Count Declining?
Several factors could be contributing to the dip in Deadlock‘s player count:
- Return to School: As the school year resumed in September, many younger players have returned to classes, leading to reduced gaming time. October typically brings increased academic pressure, with tests becoming more frequent.
- Anti-Cheat Measures: On September 26, Deadlock implemented new anti-cheat systems. The game now allows players to vote on the fate of identified cheaters, either turning them into a frog for the remainder of the match or kicking them out. This change followed the introduction of a stricter behavior system on September 14. While these measures are aimed at improving the gaming environment, they may have also led to a temporary decline in player engagement.
- Weekday Dips: Deadlock‘s decline occurred on a weekday, a time when the game typically sees lower player counts.
These combined factors have created a perfect storm, contributing to the recent player count decline.
Future Outlook
As of October 3, 2024, the player count reached a record low of 91,000, but there are signs of recovery. By October 6, the count had rebounded above the 100k mark again, suggesting that player interest may not be permanently diminished. Whether Deadlock can maintain this momentum remains to be seen.
Conclusion
The recent decline in Deadlock‘s player count is a significant development for the game’s community. While factors like school resumption and new anti-cheat measures play a role, the possibility of recovery keeps the excitement alive.
As players continue to engage with the game, its future will depend on how effectively it adapts to its community’s needs.
FISSURE Announces a $15,000 Deadlock Tournament: Format, Dates, Registration, and More