Valve's MOBA Shooter Revealed: Deadlock Unveiled on Steam

Valve's highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam page after a period of secrecy. This article explores the recent lifting of restrictions on Deadlock discussions, examines the game's beta statistics, delves into its gameplay mechanics, and analyzes the controversial approach Valve is taking.

Valve's Official Deadlock Announcement

Deadlock, a MOBA shooter that's quickly gained traction, has been officially unveiled by Valve. The Steam store page launch follows a closed beta that peaked at 89,203 concurrent players, significantly exceeding the previous high of 44,512 on August 18th.

Previously shrouded in mystery, information about Deadlock was limited to leaks and speculation. Valve's initial confidentiality has been relaxed, allowing for open discussions, streams, and community engagement. However, it's crucial to note that Deadlock remains invite-only and is still in its early development stages, featuring placeholder art and experimental features.

Deadlock: A MOBA Shooter Hybrid

Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter elements, creating a unique 6v6 experience. Teams battle for control, pushing back opponents while managing NPC units across multiple lanes, similar to Overwatch. This dynamic creates a constantly shifting battlefield where both player-controlled heroes and AI allies are vital.

Gameplay is fast-paced and demands strategic thinking. Players must balance commanding their Troopers with direct combat, utilizing frequent respawns, wave-based battles, and strategic abilities. Movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining add another layer of tactical depth. The game boasts a roster of 20 heroes, each with unique abilities and playstyles, encouraging diverse team compositions.

Valve's Steam Store Guideline Controversy

Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page deviates from Valve's own store guidelines. While Valve's standards typically require at least five screenshots, Deadlock currently only features 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. This echoes a similar debate surrounding a March 2024 sale of The Orange Box, where Valve faced criticism for promotional stickers on its store page. 3DGlyptics, the publisher and developer of B.C. Piezophile, has voiced concerns about Valve undermining Steam's policy consistency.

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