Valve is using ChatGPT to help develop its new multiplayer shooter ...
Valve's Deadlock is currently in 'early development,' yet it already stands out as one of the most popular games on Steam. Combining hero-shooter elements from renowned titles like Team Fortress 2 and Overwatch with the strategic gameplay of a MOBA such as DOTA 2, Deadlock offers a unique blend of styles and mechanics that feel both familiar and innovative. It's evident that Deadlock is on track to become another success for Valve, a studio known for its infrequent game releases.
Valve boasts extensive experience in creating multiple games and shooters. With decades of running servers and managing matchmaking for some of the PC gaming world's most beloved titles, Valve is well-versed in the intricacies of online gaming. However, for Deadlock, Valve sought assistance from an unexpected source - ChatGPT.
ChatGPT's Role in Deadlock's Development
Valve engineer Fletcher Dunn leveraged the capabilities of generative AI chatbot ChatGPT to enhance Deadlock's matchmaking system. In a post on X, Fletcher outlined a theoretical matchmaking algorithm that could address the team's requirements. To the team's surprise, ChatGPT not only comprehended the hypothetical scenario but also proposed a solution - the Hungarian algorithm. Consequently, Deadlock's matchmaking and hero selection mechanisms were refined using the Hungarian algorithm.
The Impact of AI in Game Development
This collaboration between game developers and generative AI, as exemplified by Fletcher's experience, demonstrates the ability of AI to efficiently and cost-effectively tackle complex challenges. Fletcher's use of ChatGPT is not an isolated case; statistics indicate that one in three game developers, programmers, and engineers harness generative AI for various purposes, from optimizing multiplayer matchmaking algorithms to creating interactive virtual characters. AI is undoubtedly reshaping the landscape of game development.
