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

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

After a period of intense speculation fueled by leaks, Valve has finally unveiled its highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, on Steam. This move marks a significant shift from Valve's previous secrecy, allowing for open discussion and streaming of the game.

Valve's Official Announcement and Beta Success

The official Steam page confirms Deadlock's existence, revealing impressive closed beta statistics. The game recently peaked at 89,203 concurrent players, a substantial increase from its previous high of 44,512. While the game remains invite-only and in early access, Valve's decision to lift restrictions on public discussion represents a notable change in strategy.

Deadlock: A Unique Blend of MOBA and Shooter Mechanics

Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter elements, creating a fast-paced 6v6 experience. Teams battle for control, managing both hero characters and squads of AI-controlled units across multiple lanes. The dynamic gameplay features frequent respawns, constant wave-based combat, and strategic use of abilities and upgrades. Players must balance direct combat with commanding their troops, utilizing movement options like sliding and zip-lining. The game boasts a roster of 20 unique heroes, encouraging diverse playstyles and teamwork.

Valve's Steam Store Standards Under Scrutiny

Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page deviates from Valve's own store guidelines, currently featuring only a single teaser video instead of the required five screenshots. This inconsistency has sparked criticism, raising questions about fairness and consistency in Steam's platform policies. While Valve's unique position as both developer and platform owner complicates enforcement, the situation highlights the complexities of self-regulation. The future handling of these concerns remains to be seen.