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

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

After a period of secrecy, Valve has finally unveiled its highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, on Steam. This announcement follows a successful closed beta that saw a peak of 89,203 concurrent players – more than double the previous high. Let's delve into the game's features, recent beta statistics, and the ongoing debate surrounding Valve's approach.

Deadlock Emerges from the Shadows

The official Steam page launch marks a significant shift in Valve's communication strategy. Previously relying on secrecy, the company has now opened the door to public discussion, allowing streaming and community engagement. However, it's important to note that Deadlock remains invite-only and in early access, with placeholder art and experimental features.

A Unique Blend of MOBA and Shooter Mechanics

Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter elements in a 6v6 format, drawing comparisons to Overwatch. Teams battle for control, managing both hero characters and squads of AI-controlled units across multiple lanes. Fast-paced action, frequent respawns, and strategic use of abilities are key features. The game boasts 20 unique heroes, each with distinct skills, encouraging diverse team compositions.

Valve's Steam Store Standards Under Scrutiny

Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page currently deviates from Valve's own store guidelines. While the platform typically requires at least five screenshots, Deadlock only features a single teaser video. This has led to criticism, particularly from other developers who argue that Valve, as a platform owner, should uphold its own standards. This situation echoes a previous controversy surrounding promotional stickers on the "Orange Box" sale page. The inconsistency raises questions about fairness and transparency within the Steam ecosystem. However, Valve's unique dual role as developer and platform owner complicates the application of traditional enforcement. The future handling of these concerns remains to be seen.