

Deadlock made a subtle but potentially meaningful backend change over the weekend, and it could hint at where the game is heading next. The term “playtest” was reportedly removed from the game’s API, alongside adjustments to how players and systems are categorized internally.
While this might sound minor, it’s already had ripple effects across third-party tools and stat tracking platforms.
Previously, Deadlock used “playtest” language in its API to label users and systems tied to the game’s current state. With that now removed, some in the community believe this could signal a shift toward an open beta or full release for the game.
This change impacted tools like Statlocker.gg and EDL.gg, suggesting it wasn’t just cosmetic wording. While it’s unclear if this directly ties to an open beta or release timeline, it does bring Deadlock more in line with how Valve structures live games like Dota 2 or CS2.
At minimum, it’s another sign that Deadlock is evolving beyond a traditional playtest environment and into whatever its next chapter will hold.
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