Introducing 'Deadlock,' Valve's New MOBA Shooter on Steam

Valve's Mysterious MOBA Shooter, Deadlock, Officially Launches on Steam

After a period of intense secrecy, Valve's highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, has finally arrived on Steam. This article delves into the game's recently revealed details, its impressive beta statistics, and the controversy surrounding Valve's approach to its own store guidelines.

Deadlock Emerges from the Shadows

Valve has confirmed Deadlock's existence and unveiled its official Steam page. The game's closed beta recently reached a peak of 89,203 concurrent players, a significant increase from its previous high. Previously hidden behind a veil of secrecy, Deadlock was only known through leaks and speculation. Valve has now lifted restrictions on public discussion, allowing streaming and community engagement. However, the game remains invite-only and is still in its early development stages, featuring temporary assets and experimental mechanics.

A Unique Blend of MOBA and Shooter Action

Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter elements into a fast-paced, 6-on-6 experience. Teams battle for control, pushing opponents back while managing waves of AI-controlled units across multiple lanes. Players must balance leading their troops with direct combat, utilizing frequent respawns, strategic abilities, and upgrades. The game boasts 20 unique heroes, encouraging diverse playstyles and team coordination. Movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining add to the dynamic gameplay.

Valve's Store Page Controversy

Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page breaks Valve's own store guidelines. While the platform typically requires at least five screenshots, Deadlock's page currently only features a single teaser video. This deviation has drawn criticism, with some arguing that Valve, as a Steamworks partner, should uphold its own standards. This echoes similar controversies surrounding past Valve promotions. This inconsistency has raised questions about fairness and consistency within the Steam platform's policies.

The future of Deadlock and how Valve will address these concerns remains to be seen. However, the game's unique blend of gameplay and its early access approach suggest a commitment to community feedback and iterative development.