Valve's New MOBA Shooter, Deadlock, Officially Launches on Steam
After much anticipation, Valve's mysterious MOBA shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam page. This article explores the recent unveiling, the game's beta success, its unique gameplay, and the controversy surrounding Valve's approach to its own store guidelines.
Deadlock Emerges from Secrecy
Valve has confirmed Deadlock's existence and launched its official Steam page. The closed beta recently reached a peak of 89,203 concurrent players, significantly exceeding its previous high. Previously shrouded in mystery, Deadlock was only known through leaks; however, Valve has now lifted restrictions on public discussion, allowing streaming and community engagement. Despite this openness, the game remains invite-only and is in early development, featuring placeholder art and experimental mechanics.
A Unique Blend of MOBA and Shooter Gameplay
Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter elements, featuring 6v6 combat where teams battle for control, managing waves of NPC units across multiple lanes. The fast-paced action requires players to balance leading their troops with direct combat. Key features include frequent Trooper respawns, wave-based battles, strategic ability use, and diverse movement options like sliding and zip-lining. The game boasts a roster of 20 unique heroes, encouraging diverse playstyles and team synergy.
Valve's Store Page Controversy
Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page seemingly violates Valve's own store guidelines, featuring only a single teaser video instead of the required five screenshots. This has led to criticism, with some arguing that Valve, as a Steamworks partner, should uphold its own standards. This situation echoes past controversies, such as the March 2024 Orange Box sale. 3DGlyptics, the developer of B.C. Piezophile, has voiced concerns about the inconsistency and fairness of Steam's policies. However, Valve's unique dual role as developer and platform owner complicates the application of traditional enforcement.
The future of Deadlock and Valve's response to these concerns remain to be seen, but its unconventional launch has certainly generated significant discussion.
