Stat trackers are one of the most important parts of competitive gaming. So, it was obvious that when Valve’s latest MOBA shooter Deadlock launched, it would have its own tracker fan base. However, it seems the developers of Deadlock are still not ready for stat trackers as Valve is trying to cut off these sites.
One such tracking website, Tracklock.gg, recently announced a significant change in its Discord announcement. According to an admin of the Tracklock Discord, “Valve’s turned on even more aggressive rate limits and now there are no new games being tracked. We will be making some changes to the site soon to accommodate for this.” A notice at the top of the website states, We have been unable to get match data since 2 September (UTC).
The website, known for providing statistics about Deadlock hero pick and win rate, player history, and more, will now need an alternative method. While the stat trackers’ websites are important, the community seems okay with Valve’s decision. It has more to do with how early statistics can manipulate players in the wrong direction.
Community Acceptance of Valve's Decision
The Tracklock Discord announcement also indicates the community's understanding. An admin mentioned, “This game is in beta, and they clearly aren’t ready for stats sites yet. We will take this time to improve features (we are only a week old!) and be ready when Valve has a solution for us!” This statement illustrates that the community agrees with Valve's focus on refining the game and heroes first.
As Deadlock is in early development with no estimated release date, excessive stats could skew players' perceptions towards specific heroes. For beginners, this can complicate their choice of heroes as they may lean towards popularity rather than what suits their gameplay style. Furthermore, the heroes will undergo various changes until Deadlock transitions from invite-only playtest, meaning early stats may not accurately reflect win rates or pick rates.
This situation raises questions about the future of stat trackers in Deadlock. Many players are now pondering whether these tools should exist during the playtest phase. What do you think? Should Valve allow stat tracking, or is it better to wait until the game is more stable? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What You Will Learn
- Valve's decision to limit stat trackers is aimed at ensuring game balance and integrity.
- The community largely supports Valve's actions, recognizing the potential for early stats to mislead players.
- Tracking websites like Tracklock.gg are adapting to new challenges posed by Valve's aggressive rate limits.
- There is an ongoing discussion among players regarding the necessity of stat trackers during the beta phase of Deadlock.
