Valve's New MOBA Shooter, Deadlock, Officially Launches on Steam
After much anticipation, Valve's mysterious new shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam page. This article explores the game's recent beta success, its unique MOBA-shooter gameplay, and the controversy surrounding Valve's approach to its own Steam store guidelines.
Valve Breaks the Silence on Deadlock
The highly-anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, has officially arrived on Steam. Valve confirmed the game's existence and launched its Steam store page, revealing a closed beta that recently peaked at 89,203 concurrent players – a significant jump from its previous high of 44,512. Previously cloaked in secrecy, information about Deadlock was limited to leaks and speculation. Now, Valve has lifted restrictions on public discussion, allowing streaming and community engagement. However, it remains invite-only and in early development, with placeholder assets and experimental features.
Deadlock: A Unique MOBA-Shooter Hybrid
Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter mechanics in a 6v6 format. Teams battle for control, pushing through lanes while managing squads of AI-controlled units. This creates dynamic, fast-paced combat where player heroes and AI troops are equally vital. The game features frequent respawns, constant wave-based attacks, and strategic use of abilities and upgrades. Players must balance leading their troops with direct combat, utilizing movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining. The game boasts a roster of 20 unique heroes, encouraging diverse playstyles and teamwork.
Valve's Controversial Steam Store Listing
Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page deviates from Valve's own store guidelines. While Steam typically requires at least five screenshots, Deadlock's page currently features only a single teaser video. This inconsistency has drawn criticism, particularly from other developers who argue Valve should uphold its own standards. This echoes similar controversies, such as the March 2024 sale of The Orange Box. 3DGlyptics, developer of B.C. Piezophile, highlighted this as an example of Valve undermining its platform's fairness. However, Valve's dual role as developer and platform owner complicates enforcement. The future handling of this discrepancy remains to be seen.
