After much anticipation, Valve's new shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam store page. Let's delve into the details: the lifted restrictions, the impressive beta stats, the gameplay, and the eyebrow-raising approach Valve has taken.
Valve Unveils Deadlock: Breaking the Silence
Deadlock Officially Launches Public Availability
Valve has officially revealed Deadlock, its highly anticipated MOBA shooter, creating a buzz in the gaming world. The weekend saw the official Steam page launch, confirming the game's existence. The closed beta reached a staggering 89,203 concurrent players, more than double the previous peak of 44,512 on August 18th.
Previously shrouded in mystery, Deadlock was known only through leaks and speculation. Valve's strict confidentiality has now eased, allowing public discussion, streaming, and community engagement. However, it's crucial to remember that the game remains invite-only and is still in early development, featuring temporary art and experimental mechanics.
Deadlock: A MOBA Shooter Hybrid
As reported by The Verge, Deadlock masterfully blends MOBA and shooter elements. 6-on-6 combat, reminiscent of Overwatch, sees teams battling for control, pushing opponents back while managing NPC grunts across multiple lanes. This creates a dynamic battlefield where both player-controlled heroes and AI allies are critical.
Gameplay is fast-paced and intense, requiring players to balance leading their Troopers with direct combat. Innovative mechanics include frequent Trooper respawns, constant wave-based battles, and strategic use of abilities and upgrades. Coordination and tactics are key, combining melee and ranged combat with movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining.
The game boasts 20 unique heroes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles. From classic archetypes to innovative characters, the roster encourages experimentation and teamwork. Despite being in early access, Deadlock shows immense potential, and Valve's focus on player feedback enhances its development strategy.
Valve's Controversial Store Page Approach
Interestingly, Valve seems to be deviating from its own Steam Store guidelines for Deadlock. Steam standards typically require at least five screenshots, yet Deadlock’s page currently features only a single teaser video.
This inconsistency has drawn criticism, with some arguing that Valve, as a Steamworks partner, should adhere to the same rules as other developers. A similar debate arose during a March 2024 sale of The Orange Box, where Valve faced criticism for promotional stickers on its store page (an issue later addressed). 3DGlyptics, the publisher and developer of B.C. Piezophile, highlights Valve's actions as undermining Steam's platform policy consistency and fairness.
However, Valve's dual role as developer and platform owner complicates the application of traditional enforcement. As Deadlock progresses through development and testing, it remains to be seen how, or if, Valve will address these concerns.
