Exclusive Build of Valve's MOBA Shooter Deadlock Revealed

Valve's MOBA hero shooter, Deadlock, remains in an exclusive, invite-only testing phase, with the company diligently working on refining and enhancing the game. However, a recent livestream mishap appears to have unveiled the existence of a second, even more secretive playtest featuring new characters and visual updates.

The accidental reveal came from a livestream by a prominent Deadlock player, who inadvertently opened the wrong build during the broadcast. According to Eurogamer, the stream showcased a roster with new characters such as the retro-inspired Doorman, the bespectacled Bookworm, and the gothic Vampirebat, alongside revamped designs for existing characters like Ivy. Although the streamer quickly corrected the mistake, the cat was already out of the bag.

As of now, no further details have emerged, but the leak is still recent. Deadlock is no stranger to leaks, having been subject to numerous disclosures about its existence and content. While the concept of a test build for a broader audience to test upcoming updates isn't new, it's unusual for Deadlock, given its current invite-only status.

Reactions within the Deadlock community are mixed. On the r/DeadlockTheGame subreddit, some players expressed frustration, feeling they were already part of an exclusive playtest. Even in its more public build, Deadlock has undergone significant changes, including the removal of an entire lane. Valve has previously used the Hero Labs mode to allow players to test new heroes, but this appears to be an additional method for testing with a select group.

Despite its limited access, Deadlock has attracted a substantial player base and garnered attention from fans of both shooter games and MOBAs. As a new release from Valve, it's already noteworthy, and its unconventional rollout and continued exclusivity have only heightened its allure. The revelation of an even more exclusive build adds another layer of intrigue for players to ponder.

It's crucial to maintain perspective on the actual developments, as one Reddit user humorously remarked: "Oh great, as if one Lash wasn't bad enough, now there are two of him!"