ChatGPT Enhances Deadlock Dev's Matchmaking Algorithm

Valve's upcoming MOBA-hero shooter, Deadlock, recently overhauled its matchmaking system, thanks to a surprising source: the AI chatbot ChatGPT. A Valve engineer, Fletcher Dunn, revealed this on Twitter (X), showcasing how ChatGPT helped him implement the Hungarian algorithm for improved matchmaking.

ChatGPT's Role in Deadlock's Matchmaking Overhaul

The Deadlock community had voiced strong criticism of the game's previous MMR-based matchmaking. Players reported consistently facing highly skilled opponents while being teamed with less experienced players. This prompted the Deadlock development team to commit to a complete matchmaking system rewrite, as confirmed on the game's Discord server. Dunn's use of ChatGPT accelerated this process. He found the Hungarian algorithm, ideal for scenarios where only one side (e.g., a player) has preferences, through a conversation with the AI.

(c) r/DeadlockTheGame Dunn's reliance on ChatGPT has become significant; he even keeps a dedicated browser tab open for it. He's openly shared his positive experiences, highlighting the tool's power while acknowledging the potential for both positive and negative consequences. His concerns include the reduction in human-to-human interaction, a sentiment echoed by some who fear AI replacing human programmers.

The Hungarian algorithm, a type of optimization algorithm, addresses the problem by considering a single player's preferences to create the best possible team and opponent matchups. This is analogous to how search engines like Google use algorithms to rank search results based on user queries.

Despite the improvements, some players remain unhappy with the new matchmaking, expressing frustration on social media. These criticisms highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing player satisfaction with technological advancements.

Here at Game8, however, 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!