ChatGPT Aids Matchmaking App with Coding Efficiency

Valve's upcoming hero shooter, Deadlock, recently overhauled its matchmaking system, thanks to a surprising source: the AI chatbot ChatGPT. A Valve engineer, Fletcher Dunn, revealed on Twitter (now X) that ChatGPT helped him find the perfect algorithm.

ChatGPT's Role in Deadlock's Matchmaking Overhaul

Deadlock's previous matchmaking, based on MMR (Matchmaking Rating), faced heavy criticism from players. Reddit threads were filled with complaints about unevenly skilled teams and frustrating matches. Players reported consistently facing highly skilled opponents while their teammates lacked comparable experience.

(c) r/DeadlockTheGame Responding to this feedback, a Deadlock developer announced a complete matchmaking system rewrite. Dunn's use of ChatGPT accelerated this process. He discovered the Hungarian algorithm, a solution ideal for situations where only one side (in this case, the player) has preferences. He shared his ChatGPT conversation, showcasing the AI's role in identifying this optimal algorithm.

Dunn's Enthusiasm and Concerns About ChatGPT

Dunn expressed his amazement with ChatGPT's capabilities, stating that it's become an indispensable tool. He even dedicated a Chrome tab solely to the chatbot. While celebrating this success, he also acknowledged a potential downside: the replacement of human interaction, whether through direct consultation or online discussions. He noted the tool's efficiency, but also its effect on traditional collaborative problem-solving. This sparked debate online, with some users highlighting concerns about AI potentially replacing programmers.

Understanding the Algorithm and its Application

Algorithms process data based on specific rules. Think of Google search: the algorithm analyzes your query and returns relevant results. In Deadlock's context, the algorithm considers player preferences to create more balanced matches. Dunn specifically sought an algorithm that prioritized individual player preferences, a key factor in the Hungarian algorithm's selection.

Mixed Reactions and Future Outlook

Despite the improvements, some players remain critical, expressing anger over past matchmaking issues and attributing them to Dunn's reliance on ChatGPT. Others criticized the perceived lack of developer effort.

Here at Game8, however, we remain optimistic about Deadlock's potential. We believe Valve is developing a truly exceptional game, and you can read more about our playtest experience in the article linked below!