Valve Unveils Deadlock, a Highly-anticipated MOBA Shooter on Steam

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

After a period of intense secrecy, Valve's highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam page. This article delves into the recent revelations, exploring the game's beta statistics, gameplay mechanics, and the controversial approach Valve is taking.

Valve Breaks the Silence on Deadlock

The gaming world is abuzz with the official launch of Deadlock. Valve confirmed its existence and released its Steam store page, ending weeks of speculation fueled by leaks. The closed beta recently hit a peak of 89,203 concurrent players, significantly exceeding the previous high of 44,512. This surge in popularity follows a period where Valve maintained tight control over information, only recently allowing public discussion and streaming of the game. While now more open, the game remains invite-only and in early access, with placeholder art and experimental features.

Deadlock: A Unique Blend of MOBA and Shooter

Deadlock blends the strategic depth of MOBAs with the fast-paced action of shooters. Featuring 6v6 combat reminiscent of Overwatch, players lead squads of AI-controlled units ("Troopers") down multiple lanes, battling opposing teams. The constant waves of Troopers, frequent respawns, and strategic use of hero abilities create dynamic and intense matches. Players must balance leading their Troopers with direct combat, utilizing movement options like sliding and zip-lining. The game boasts a roster of 20 heroes, each with unique abilities and playstyles.

Valve's Controversial Steam Store Practices

However, Valve's handling of Deadlock's Steam page has sparked controversy. The page currently features only a single teaser video, violating Valve's own Steam Store guidelines requiring at least five screenshots. This inconsistency has led to criticism, particularly from other developers who argue that Valve, as a platform owner, should adhere to its own standards. This situation echoes past debates, like the one surrounding promotional stickers on the Orange Box page. 3DGlyptics, the publisher of B.C. Piezophile, highlights this as an example of Valve undermining its own platform policies. However, Valve's dual role as developer and platform owner complicates enforcement. The future will show if and how Valve addresses these concerns.