After a period of intense secrecy, Valve's highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam page. Let's delve into the details: Valve's lifted restrictions, Deadlock's impressive beta numbers, gameplay mechanics, and the eyebrow-raising approach to Steam's own store guidelines.
Valve Unveils Deadlock: Breaking the Silence
Deadlock Officially Launches on Steam
The cat's out of the bag! Valve has officially announced Deadlock, and its Steam page is live. The closed beta recently reached a staggering 89,203 concurrent players, more than doubling its previous peak of 44,512 on August 18th.
Previously shrouded in mystery, Deadlock's existence was only known through leaks and speculation. Valve's tight-lipped approach has now changed, allowing open discussion, streaming, and community engagement. However, it's crucial to remember that Deadlock remains invite-only and is still in early access, featuring temporary art assets and experimental gameplay elements.
Deadlock: A Unique MOBA Shooter Experience
As reported by The Verge, Deadlock masterfully blends MOBA and shooter mechanics. Experience intense 6v6 combat, reminiscent of Overwatch, where teams battle for control across multiple lanes, commanding both hero characters and armies of AI-controlled grunts. This creates a dynamic and ever-changing battlefield.
Gameplay is fast-paced and demands strategic thinking. Players must balance leading their Trooper units with direct combat participation. Frequent Trooper respawns, constant wave-based attacks, and strategic use of abilities and upgrades are core components. Movement is fluid, with options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining adding to the tactical depth.
The game boasts a diverse roster of 20 unique heroes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles. From familiar archetypes to innovative new characters, Deadlock encourages experimentation and teamwork. Even in its early stages, the game shows immense promise, and Valve's commitment to player feedback through testing is a refreshing approach.
Valve's Controversial Steam Store Approach
Interestingly, Valve appears to be deviating from its own Steam Store guidelines for Deadlock. Steam typically requires at least five screenshots on a game page, yet Deadlock currently features only a single teaser video.
This inconsistency has drawn criticism, with some arguing that Valve, as a Steamworks partner, should adhere to the same standards as other developers. This echoes a similar controversy surrounding the 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 that this undermines the fairness of Steam's platform policies.
However, Valve's unique dual role as both developer and platform owner complicates the situation, potentially circumventing traditional enforcement. The future will reveal how, or if, Valve addresses these concerns.
