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

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

After a period of intense secrecy, Valve's highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, has finally emerged from the shadows with its official Steam page. This announcement follows a closed beta that saw a remarkable surge in concurrent players, exceeding 89,000 – more than double the previous peak. Let's delve into the details of this intriguing title, including its gameplay mechanics, and the controversy surrounding Valve's approach to its own platform policies.

Deadlock: A MOBA Meets Shooter Experience

Valve has confirmed Deadlock's public availability, though the game remains invite-only and in early development. The company has lifted restrictions on public discussion, allowing streaming and community engagement. The game's core gameplay blends elements of MOBA and shooter genres, featuring intense 6v6 battles where teams battle for control of lanes while managing armies of NPC units. This creates dynamic, fast-paced matches demanding strategic thinking and coordinated teamwork.

Key Gameplay Features:

• 6v6 Combat: Similar to Overwatch, but with the added layer of managing NPC troops.
• Wave-Based Battles: Constant engagements keep the action flowing.
• Hero Roster: 20 unique heroes offer diverse playstyles and strategic options.
• Dynamic Movement: Utilize sliding, dashing, and zip-lining to navigate the battlefield.
• Frequent Respawns: Keeps the pace rapid and the action non-stop.

Valve's Steam Store Controversy

Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam store page deviates from Valve's own platform guidelines. While the standard requires at least five screenshots, Deadlock currently only features a single teaser video. This has sparked debate about whether Valve, as both a developer and platform owner, should hold itself to the same standards as other developers. This isn't the first time Valve's practices have faced scrutiny regarding its Steam store policies.

The Future of Deadlock

Despite the controversy, Deadlock's innovative gameplay and Valve's commitment to gathering player feedback through early access testing suggest a promising future. Whether Valve will address the inconsistencies with its store page guidelines remains to be seen. Deadlock's journey is far from over, and its unique approach to development and release is sure to continue sparking conversation.