Valve's secretive new shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam page. This article explores the recent lifting of restrictions, the beta's impressive player count, gameplay details, and the controversy surrounding Valve's approach.
Valve's Deadlock: Breaking the Silence
Deadlock Officially Launches on Steam
After much anticipation, Valve has unveiled Deadlock, its MOBA shooter, to the gaming world. The game's official Steam page is now live, following a closed beta that peaked at an astounding 89,203 concurrent players—more than double its previous high of 44,512 on August 18th.
Previously hidden under wraps, Deadlock was only known through leaks. Valve's initial secrecy has now been relaxed, allowing streamers, community sites, and open discussions about the game. However, it remains invite-only and in early development, featuring placeholder art and experimental elements.
Deadlock: A MOBA Shooter Hybrid
Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter mechanics, according to The Verge. Six-on-six combat, reminiscent of Overwatch, sees teams battling for control, managing NPC units across multiple lanes. This dynamic creates a constantly shifting battlefield where both player heroes and AI allies are crucial.
Gameplay is fast-paced, demanding players balance commanding their troops with direct combat. Frequent Trooper respawns, wave-based battles, and strategic ability/upgrade use are key features. The game emphasizes teamwork and tactical depth, incorporating melee and ranged combat, along with movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining. Twenty unique heroes offer diverse playstyles and encourage experimentation. Despite its early stage, Deadlock shows immense potential, enhanced by Valve's focus on player feedback.
Valve's Controversial Steam Store Practices
Interestingly, Deadlock appears to violate Valve's own Steam Store guidelines. Steam typically requires at least five screenshots on a game page, yet Deadlock currently only features a single teaser video.
This discrepancy has drawn criticism, with some arguing that Valve, as a Steamworks partner, should adhere to its own rules. This echoes a similar debate during a March 2024 sale of The Orange Box, where Valve faced criticism for promotional stickers on its store page. 3DGlyptics, developer of B.C. Piezophile, highlights Valve's actions as undermining Steam's policy consistency.
However, Valve's dual role as developer and platform owner complicates enforcement. The future handling of these concerns remains to be seen.
