Valve's Mysterious MOBA Shooter, Deadlock, Emerges from the Shadows 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 surrounding the project.

Deadlock's Beta Success and Public Reveal

The game's recent closed beta reached a peak of 89,203 concurrent players, a substantial increase from its previous high. This surge in popularity comes alongside Valve's decision to officially lift restrictions on public discussion of the game, allowing streamers and communities to openly share their experiences. However, it's important to note that Deadlock remains invite-only and is still under development, featuring placeholder art and experimental mechanics.

A Unique Blend of MOBA and Shooter Mechanics

Deadlock blends the fast-paced action of a shooter with the strategic depth of a MOBA. Featuring 6v6 combat, players command teams of heroes and AI-controlled units across multiple lanes, creating dynamic and constantly shifting battlefields. Frequent respawns, wave-based attacks, and strategic use of abilities are key elements of the gameplay. The game boasts a roster of 20 unique heroes, each with distinct skills and playstyles, encouraging diverse team compositions and tactical approaches.

Valve's Steam Store Standards Under Scrutiny

Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page currently deviates from Valve's own store guidelines. The page features only a single teaser video instead of the required minimum of five screenshots. This has drawn criticism, with some developers arguing that Valve, as a platform owner, should uphold the same standards it sets for other developers. This situation echoes previous controversies surrounding Valve's own store practices.

While the controversy surrounding Valve's apparent disregard for its own rules continues, Deadlock's appearance on Steam signals a new phase in its development. The ongoing beta and public discussion will undoubtedly shape the game's final form, and how Valve addresses these concerns remains to be seen.