Deadlock: Valve's MOBA Shooter Unveil

Valve's highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam page after a period of intense secrecy. This article delves into the newly revealed details, including the game's beta statistics, gameplay mechanics, and the controversy surrounding Valve's approach to its own Steam store guidelines.

Valve Breaks the Silence on Deadlock

Deadlock Officially Launches on Steam

The gaming world is abuzz with the official announcement of Deadlock. Valve confirmed its existence and launched its Steam store page, ending weeks of speculation and leaks. The closed beta recently peaked at 89,203 concurrent players, a significant jump from the previous high of 44,512 on August 18th.

Previously operating under a strict veil of secrecy, Valve has now loosened its grip on information control, permitting public discussion, streaming, and community engagement surrounding Deadlock. It's important to note, however, that the game remains invite-only and is still in its early development stages, featuring placeholder art and experimental elements.

A Unique MOBA Shooter Experience

Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter elements in a dynamic 6v6 experience, reminiscent of Overwatch. Teams battle for supremacy across multiple lanes, managing both their hero characters and squads of AI-controlled units. This creates fast-paced, intense matches requiring players to skillfully balance direct combat with strategic troop management.

Key gameplay features include frequent Trooper respawns, continuous wave-based assaults, and the strategic use of abilities and upgrades. Movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining add a layer of tactical depth to the melee and ranged combat. The game boasts a roster of 20 unique heroes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles, encouraging diverse team compositions and strategies. Valve's commitment to player feedback through this early access approach is a notable aspect of its release strategy.

Valve's Store Listing Sparks Debate

Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page deviates from Valve's own store guidelines. The page currently features only a single teaser video, falling short of the minimum five screenshots required. This has led to criticism, with some arguing that Valve, as a Steamworks partner, should uphold the same standards it sets for other developers. This isn't the first time Valve's practices have drawn scrutiny; similar debates arose during a 2024 sale of The Orange Box. 3DGlyptics, the developer of B.C. Piezophile, has voiced concerns about Valve's actions undermining Steam's platform consistency and fairness.

However, Valve's dual role as both developer and platform owner complicates the application of traditional enforcement. The future handling of these concerns regarding Deadlock remains to be seen.