Valve Unveils "Deadlock": Steam's Anticipated MOBA Shooter Emerges

Valve's mysterious new shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam page. Let's explore the details revealed, the recent beta surge, the gameplay, and why Valve's approach is generating discussion.

Valve's Deadlock: Emerging from the Shadows

Deadlock Officially Launches on Steam

Valve has officially announced Deadlock, its highly anticipated MOBA shooter, causing a stir in the gaming world. The weekend saw the game's Steam page debut, confirming its existence. The closed beta recently reached a peak of 89,203 concurrent players, a significant jump from the previous high of 44,512 on August 18th.

Initially shrouded in secrecy, Deadlock's existence was only known through leaks. Valve's previous tight-lipped approach has shifted, allowing public discussion, streaming, and community engagement. However, it remains invite-only and in early development, featuring placeholder art and experimental elements.

Deadlock: A Unique MOBA-Shooter Hybrid

As reported by The Verge, Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter mechanics. 6v6 battles, reminiscent of Overwatch, see teams pushing lanes while managing NPC units. This creates dynamic combat where both player heroes and AI allies are crucial.

Gameplay is fast-paced, demanding players balance troop control and direct combat. Frequent troop respawns, wave-based battles, and strategic ability use are key features. The game emphasizes teamwork and tactical depth, incorporating melee and ranged combat, and movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining. Twenty unique heroes, each with distinct abilities, promise diverse gameplay and encourage strategic team composition.

Valve's Steam Store Standards: A Point of Contention

Interestingly, Deadlock appears to deviate from Valve's own Steam Store guidelines. While Valve typically requires at least five screenshots, Deadlock's page currently only features a single teaser video.

This inconsistency has drawn criticism. Some argue that Valve, as a Steamworks partner, should adhere to the same standards as other developers. This isn't the first time Valve's practices have faced scrutiny; similar debates arose during a March 2024 sale of The Orange Box. 3DGlyptics, the developer of B.C. Piezophile, has voiced concerns about Valve undermining Steam's policy consistency.

However, Valve's dual role as developer and platform owner complicates traditional enforcement. Deadlock's future development and how Valve addresses these concerns remain to be seen.