Valve's secretive new shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam page. This article explores the recently lifted restrictions on discussion, the beta's impressive player numbers, gameplay details, and the controversial approach Valve is taking.
Valve's Deadlock: Breaking the Silence
Deadlock Officially Launches Public Availability
Valve has unveiled Deadlock, its highly anticipated MOBA shooter, generating significant buzz. The weekend saw the official Steam page launch, confirming the game's existence. The closed beta reached a peak of 89,203 concurrent players, more than doubling the previous high of 44,512 on August 18th.
Previously hidden behind a veil of secrecy, Deadlock was only known through leaks. Valve's strict confidentiality has eased, allowing streaming, community discussions, and website coverage. However, it remains invite-only and in early development, featuring placeholder art and experimental mechanics.
Deadlock: A MOBA Shooter Hybrid
Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter elements, reports The Verge. 6v6 combat, similar to Overwatch, sees teams battling for control, managing NPC troops across multiple lanes. This creates a dynamic battlefield where both player heroes and AI allies are vital.
Fast-paced matches demand a balance between commanding troops and direct combat. Frequent Trooper respawns, wave-based battles, strategic ability use, and upgrades are key features. The gameplay emphasizes coordination and tactical depth, incorporating melee and ranged combat, and movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining.
The game boasts 20 unique heroes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles. The diverse roster encourages experimentation and teamwork. Despite its early stage, Deadlock shows promise, and Valve's focus on player feedback is a unique aspect of its release strategy.
Valve's Controversial Steam Store Deviation
Interestingly, Valve appears to be ignoring its own Steam Store guidelines for Deadlock. Steam standards require at least five screenshots, yet Deadlock's page only features a single teaser video.
This inconsistency has drawn criticism; some argue Valve, as a Steamworks partner, should adhere to its own rules. A similar debate arose during a March 2024 sale of The Orange Box, where Valve faced criticism for promotional stickers on its store page (later addressed). 3DGlyptics, developer of B.C. Piezophile, points out Valve's actions undermine Steam's policy consistency and fairness.
However, Valve's dual role as developer and platform owner complicates enforcement. Deadlock's future development and how Valve addresses these concerns remain to be seen.
