Valve's secretive new shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam page. This article examines the recent lifting of restrictions, the beta's impressive player numbers, gameplay details, and the controversial approach Valve is taking.

Valve Breaks the Silence on Deadlock

Deadlock Officially Launches on Steam

The gaming world is buzzing! Valve has unveiled Deadlock, its highly anticipated MOBA shooter. The weekend saw the official Steam page launch, confirming the game's existence. The closed beta reached a staggering 89,203 concurrent players, more than double the previous peak of 44,512 on August 18th.

Previously shrouded in mystery, Deadlock was only known through leaks. Valve's tight-lipped approach has now changed, allowing public discussion—streaming, community forums, etc.—are now permitted. However, it's crucial to note that Deadlock remains invite-only and is still in early access, featuring placeholder art and experimental mechanics.

Deadlock: A Unique MOBA-Shooter Hybrid

As reported by The Verge, Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter elements. The 6v6 combat, reminiscent of Overwatch, involves pushing lanes while managing NPC units. This creates dynamic battles where both player heroes and AI allies are vital.

Gameplay is fast-paced and demanding, requiring players to balance commanding their troops with direct combat. Frequent Trooper respawns, wave-based attacks, and strategic ability use are key features. The game emphasizes teamwork and tactical depth, incorporating melee and ranged combat, along with movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining.

With 20 unique heroes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles, Deadlock offers diverse gameplay and encourages strategic team composition. Despite being early in development, the game shows significant promise, and Valve's focus on player feedback is a noteworthy aspect of its release strategy.

Valve's Controversial Steam Store Practices

Interestingly, Valve appears to be deviating from its own Steam Store guidelines for Deadlock. Steam's standards typically require at least five screenshots, but 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 rules as other developers. This isn't the first time Valve has faced such criticism; similar debates arose during a March 2024 sale of The Orange Box. 3DGlyptics, the publisher of B.C. Piezophile, has voiced concerns about Valve undermining Steam's platform policies.

However, Valve's dual role as developer and platform owner complicates the situation. The enforcement of traditional rules might not apply in this case. As Deadlock progresses through development and testing, it remains to be seen how Valve will address this controversy.