Valve's New MOBA Shooter, 'Deadlock,' Unveiled

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

After a period of intense secrecy, Valve's highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam page. This article explores the game's recent beta success, its unique gameplay, and the controversy surrounding Valve's approach to its own Steam store guidelines.

Deadlock Emerges from the Shadows

Valve has officially announced Deadlock's public availability, ending months of speculation fueled by leaks. The closed beta recently reached a peak of 89,203 concurrent players, significantly surpassing its previous high. With the official announcement, Valve has also lifted restrictions on public discussion, allowing streaming and community engagement. However, it remains an invite-only beta, and the game is still in early development, featuring placeholder art and experimental mechanics.

A Unique Blend of MOBA and Shooter

Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter elements, creating a fast-paced, 6v6 experience. Players command a squad of AI-controlled units while battling opposing teams across multiple lanes. Frequent respawns, wave-based combat, and strategic use of abilities are key gameplay features. The game boasts 20 unique heroes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles, encouraging teamwork and strategic depth. Movement options such as sliding, dashing, and zip-lining add further dynamism to the battlefield.

Valve's Non-Traditional Steam Store Approach

Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page deviates from Valve's own store guidelines. While the rules mandate at least five screenshots, the page currently features only a single teaser video. This has drawn criticism, with some arguing that Valve should hold itself to the same standards as other developers. This isn't the first time Valve's practices have been questioned regarding Steam store policies.

The situation highlights the complexities of Valve's dual role as both developer and platform owner. As Deadlock progresses through its development and testing phases, it remains to be seen how, or if, Valve will address these concerns.