Valve's 'Deadlock': MOBA Shooter Unveiled

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

After much anticipation, Valve's mysterious MOBA shooter, Deadlock, has finally arrived on Steam. This article explores the game's recent beta success, gameplay details, and the controversy surrounding Valve's approach to its own Steam store guidelines.

Deadlock's Steam Debut and Beta Success

Valve's official Steam page launch marks a significant shift. The recent closed beta saw a remarkable surge in concurrent players, reaching 89,203 – more than double the previous peak. This explosive growth follows a period of secrecy, with information previously limited to leaks and speculation. Valve has now lifted restrictions on public discussion, allowing streaming and community engagement. However, it's important to note Deadlock remains invite-only and is still in early access.

MOBA Meets Shooter: Deadlock's Unique Gameplay

Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter mechanics in a 6v6 format. Players command a squad of NPC troops while battling opposing teams across multiple lanes, creating a dynamic and intense experience. Frequent respawns, wave-based combat, and strategic use of hero abilities are key elements. The game boasts 20 unique heroes with diverse skills and playstyles, encouraging teamwork and strategic depth. Movement options such as sliding, dashing, and zip-lining add another layer of tactical complexity.

Valve's Controversial Steam Store Listing

Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page currently violates Valve's own store guidelines. While requiring at least five screenshots, Deadlock only features a single teaser video. This has drawn criticism, questioning whether Valve, as both developer and platform owner, should be exempt from its own rules. This echoes similar past controversies, highlighting concerns about consistency and fairness on the Steam platform.

The future of Deadlock and how Valve addresses these concerns remains to be seen. Despite the controversy, the game's promising gameplay and substantial beta success suggest a potentially significant title in the MOBA shooter genre.