Valve's highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, has finally emerged from the shadows, boasting a newly launched Steam page. This article delves into the specifics of Deadlock's reveal, its impressive beta statistics, gameplay mechanics, and the controversial approach Valve is taking.
Valve's Deadlock: A Public Debut
After a period of intense speculation fueled by leaks, Valve has officially unveiled Deadlock. The game's Steam page is now live, confirming its existence and marking a significant shift in Valve's communication strategy. The closed beta recently reached a peak of 89,203 concurrent players, a substantial increase from the previous high of 44,512 on August 18th. Valve has also lifted the restrictions on public discussion, allowing streaming, community engagement, and open conversations about the game. However, it's crucial to note that Deadlock remains invite-only and is still in its early development stages, featuring placeholder art and experimental elements.
Deadlock: A MOBA Shooter Hybrid
Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter mechanics, creating a unique 6v6 experience. Teams battle for control, pushing opponents back while managing waves of AI-controlled units across multiple lanes. This dynamic gameplay loop requires players to balance direct combat with strategic troop management. Fast-paced action is central to the game, incorporating frequent Trooper respawns, continuous wave-based battles, and strategic use of abilities and upgrades. Movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining add further depth to the combat. The game features a roster of 20 heroes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles, encouraging diverse team compositions and strategic approaches.
Valve's Steam Store Standard Deviation
Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page deviates from Valve's own store guidelines. While Valve typically requires at least five screenshots, Deadlock's page currently only features a single teaser video. This inconsistency has drawn criticism, with some arguing that Valve, as a Steamworks partner, should uphold the same standards it sets for other developers. This situation echoes a similar controversy surrounding the March 2024 sale of The Orange Box, where Valve faced criticism for promotional sticker additions. 3DGlyptics, the developer of B.C. Piezophile, has highlighted this perceived double standard, raising concerns about fairness and consistency within Steam's platform policies. However, Valve's dual role as both developer and platform owner complicates the application of traditional enforcement mechanisms. The future handling of this discrepancy remains to be seen.
