Deadlock, Valve’s Upcoming MOBA Shooter, Officially Revealed on Steam

Valve's Mysterious MOBA Shooter, Deadlock, Lands on Steam

Valve's highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, has finally emerged from the shadows, launching its official Steam page after a period of intense secrecy. The game, previously only whispered about in leaks and speculation, has officially opened up to public discussion, allowing streaming and community engagement. However, the game remains invite-only and in early access, featuring temporary art assets and experimental mechanics.

A MOBA Shooter Hybrid

Deadlock blends the fast-paced action of a shooter with the strategic depth of a MOBA. Featuring 6v6 combat, players command a squad of AI-controlled units while battling opposing teams across multiple lanes. The gameplay emphasizes constant skirmishes, strategic ability use, and quick respawns, demanding a balance between managing your AI troops and direct hero combat. With 20 unique heroes and dynamic movement options (sliding, dashing, zip-lining), Deadlock promises intense and diverse gameplay.

The recent closed beta saw a remarkable surge in concurrent players, reaching 89,203, more than double the previous peak. This signifies significant player interest and provides valuable data for further development.

Valve Bends Its Own Rules?

Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page currently deviates from Valve's own store guidelines, featuring only a single teaser video instead of the required five screenshots. This inconsistency has drawn criticism, with some arguing that Valve, as a platform owner and developer, should adhere to its own standards for fairness. This echoes previous controversies surrounding Valve's promotional practices.

The future of Deadlock and its adherence to Steam's policies remains to be seen. However, the game's early success and unique gameplay blend suggest a promising future, even amidst the ongoing debate surrounding Valve's approach.