Valve's mysterious new shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam page. Let's explore the details unveiled, including the lifted restrictions on discussion, impressive beta statistics, unique gameplay, and the controversial approach Valve is taking.

Valve's Deadlock: Emerging from the Shadows

Deadlock Officially Launches on Steam

The gaming world is abuzz with the official arrival of Deadlock, Valve's highly anticipated MOBA shooter. The game's Steam page is now live, confirming its existence after weeks of speculation and leaks. The recent closed beta reached a staggering 89,203 concurrent players, more than double its previous peak of 44,512 on August 18th.

Deadlock's development was previously shrouded in secrecy, with Valve enforcing strict confidentiality. That's changed; public discussion is now permitted, allowing streamers, community sites, and forums to openly talk about the game. However, it's crucial to remember that Deadlock remains invite-only and is still in its early stages, featuring temporary assets and experimental mechanics.

A Unique MOBA-Shooter Hybrid

Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter elements, creating a distinctive gameplay experience. As reported by The Verge, 6v6 matches pit teams against each other, pushing through lanes while commanding squads of AI-controlled units. This dynamic blend of human-controlled heroes and AI allies results in intense, ever-changing battles.

Fast-paced action requires players to skillfully balance direct combat with strategic troop management. Frequent unit respawns, continuous wave-based attacks, and the strategic use of abilities and upgrades add layers of depth. The game incorporates melee and ranged combat, along with agile movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining. With 20 unique heroes, each boasting distinct abilities and playstyles, Deadlock promises diverse gameplay and strategic team compositions.

Valve's Steam Store Standards Under Scrutiny

Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page deviates from Valve's own store guidelines. While Steam typically requires at least five screenshots, Deadlock's page currently only features a single teaser video.

This has drawn criticism, with some arguing that Valve, as a Steamworks partner, should adhere to the same standards it sets for other developers. This echoes similar controversies, like the March 2024 Orange Box sale, where Valve faced criticism for promotional stickers on its store page. 3DGlyptics, the developer of B.C. Piezophile, highlights Valve's actions as undermining Steam's policy consistency and fairness.

However, Valve's dual role as both developer and platform owner complicates the situation. The enforcement of its own rules remains unclear, and how Valve will address these concerns remains to be seen as Deadlock progresses through its development and testing phases.