What's Happening?
The multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game Deadlock has introduced a new feature allowing players to avoid certain heroes when queuing for a game. This feature, described as a 'prefer to avoid' toggle,
lets players select one hero from the game's roster to avoid during both standard play and the new casual mode, Street Brawl. However, players cannot avoid the newest heroes, specifically the six characters from the 'Old Gods, New Blood' update. This system differs from traditional hero banning systems in other MOBAs, which typically involve a draft phase where teams collaboratively select and ban heroes. Instead, Deadlock's system allows individual players to make their preferences known without team deliberation. This update is part of a broader set of balance tweaks aimed at enhancing gameplay.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the hero avoidance feature in Deadlock is significant as it addresses player frustrations with imbalanced characters and enhances the gaming experience by allowing more personalized gameplay. This feature could potentially influence how other MOBA games approach hero selection and banning, offering a more flexible and player-centric model. By allowing players to avoid certain heroes, the game reduces the likelihood of encountering unfavorable matchups, which can lead to a more enjoyable and strategic gaming experience. This update may also attract new players who prefer a less rigid approach to hero selection, potentially expanding the game's player base.
What's Next?
As Deadlock continues to evolve, further updates and balance tweaks are expected to refine the gameplay experience. The game's developers may consider expanding the hero roster or introducing additional features to enhance player engagement. The success of the hero avoidance feature could lead to its adoption in other games, prompting a shift in how hero selection is managed in the MOBA genre. Player feedback will likely play a crucial role in shaping future updates, as developers aim to balance competitive play with player satisfaction.
