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

After a period of intense secrecy, Valve's highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam store page. Let's delve into the details: the lifted restrictions, the impressive beta stats, the gameplay mechanics, and the eyebrow-raising approach Valve has taken.

Valve Unveils Deadlock: Breaking the Silence

Deadlock Officially Launches Public Availability

Valve has officially announced Deadlock, its ambitious MOBA shooter that's already generating significant buzz. The weekend saw the official Steam page launch, confirming the game's existence. The closed beta reached a remarkable peak of 89,203 concurrent players, more than doubling its previous high of 44,512 on August 18th.

Previously shrouded in mystery, Deadlock was known only through leaks and speculation. Valve's tight-lipped approach has now changed, with public discussion now permitted. Streaming, community websites, and open conversations are all encouraged. However, it's crucial to remember that Deadlock remains invite-only and is still in early access, featuring temporary art assets and experimental gameplay features.

Deadlock: A MOBA Shooter Hybrid

As reported by The Verge, Deadlock seamlessly blends MOBA and shooter elements. The 6-on-6 combat, reminiscent of Overwatch, sees teams battling for control, pushing back opponents while simultaneously managing waves of NPC grunts across multiple lanes. This creates a dynamic, ever-changing battlefield where both player-controlled heroes and AI allies are vital.

Deadlock matches are fast-paced and intense, demanding players skillfully balance leading their Trooper units with direct combat participation. Innovative mechanics include frequent Trooper respawns, continuous wave-based battles, and strategic utilization of powerful abilities and upgrades. The gameplay emphasizes teamwork and tactical depth, incorporating melee and ranged combat, and agile movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining.

With a roster of 20 diverse heroes, each boasting unique abilities and playstyles, Deadlock offers extensive character choices, encouraging experimentation and collaborative strategies. Despite being in early development, the game’s potential is undeniable, and Valve's commitment to player feedback through testing significantly enhances its development process.

Valve's Controversial Approach to Steam Store Standards

Interestingly, Valve appears to be deviating from its own Steam Store guidelines for Deadlock. Steam's standards typically require at least five screenshots for a game page. However, Deadlock's page currently features only a single teaser video, showcasing a brief atmospheric scene.

This inconsistency has drawn criticism, with some arguing that Valve, as a Steamworks partner, should uphold the same standards as other developers. This echoes a similar controversy surrounding a March 2024 sale of The Orange Box, where Valve faced criticism for promotional stickers on its store page (an issue subsequently addressed). 3DGlyptics, the publisher and developer of B.C. Piezophile, has pointed out that Valve's actions undermine the platform's consistency and fairness.

However, Valve's unique dual role as both developer and platform owner complicates the situation, potentially rendering traditional enforcement mechanisms inapplicable. As Deadlock progresses through development and testing, it remains to be seen how, or if, Valve will address these concerns.