ChatGPT Aids Deadlock Dev's Matchmaking Quest

Valve's upcoming hero shooter, Deadlock, recently overhauled its matchmaking system, thanks in part to a surprising source: ChatGPT. A Valve engineer, Fletcher Dunn, revealed on Twitter (X) that the new system utilizes the Hungarian algorithm, a solution he discovered through a conversation with the AI chatbot.

Deadlock's Matchmaking: From Criticism to ChatGPT Solution

Deadlock's previous MMR-based matchmaking faced significant criticism from players. Reddit threads highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with uneven team skill levels, with many reporting consistently facing highly skilled opponents while their teammates lacked comparable experience. One player commented, "I get harder games with better enemies, but never equally skilled teammates," echoing a common sentiment.

(c) r/DeadlockTheGameThe Deadlock team acknowledged these concerns, promising a complete matchmaking system rewrite on their Discord server. Dunn's use of ChatGPT to identify the Hungarian algorithm represents a significant step in fulfilling that promise.

Dunn's public embrace of ChatGPT has been notable. He's shared his experiences, stating, "I have a Chrome tab permanently open for ChatGPT," and intends to continue sharing his successes with the AI tool, aiming to counter skepticism surrounding its capabilities.

While celebrating ChatGPT's effectiveness, Dunn also acknowledges the potential downsides. He points out that using AI can sometimes replace human interaction, whether through direct consultation or online discussions. A social media response highlighted this concern, fearing that such tools might eventually replace human programmers.

The Hungarian algorithm, a type of bipartite matching algorithm, is designed to find optimal pairings based on preferences. In Deadlock's context, it addresses the issue of uneven team skill by prioritizing one side's preferences (likely player skill), ensuring fairer matches.

Despite the improvements, some players remain unconvinced, expressing frustration with the current state of matchmaking. Negative comments on Dunn's tweets reflect lingering concerns about the game's ongoing development.

Here at Game8, we remain optimistic about Deadlock's potential. For a more in-depth look at our playtest experience and overall impressions, check out the link below!