Valve's mysterious new shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam page! This article delves into the details now revealed, including beta statistics, gameplay mechanics, and the controversial approach Valve is taking to its own store guidelines.

Valve's Deadlock Emerges from the Shadows

Deadlock Officially Launches on Steam

After a period of intense speculation fueled by leaks, Valve has officially unveiled Deadlock, its highly anticipated MOBA shooter. The game's Steam page is now live, confirming its existence and ending the period of secrecy. The recent closed beta reached a peak of 89,203 concurrent players, a significant jump from the previous high of 44,512 on August 18th.

Previously, information about Deadlock was scarce, but Valve has now relaxed its tight-lipped approach, allowing public discussion, streaming, and community engagement. However, it's important to note the game remains invite-only and is still in early access, featuring placeholder art and experimental gameplay elements.

Deadlock: A Unique MOBA-Shooter Hybrid

Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter gameplay, offering 6v6 combat reminiscent of Overwatch. Teams battle for control, pushing opponents back while managing waves of AI-controlled units across multiple lanes. This creates a dynamic and evolving battlefield where both player-controlled heroes and AI allies are critical.

Fast-paced matches demand a balance between commanding AI troops and direct combat. Key mechanics include frequent Trooper respawns, constant wave-based battles, and strategic use of abilities and upgrades. The gameplay emphasizes teamwork and tactical decision-making, incorporating melee and ranged combat, and diverse movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining. The game boasts a roster of 20 unique heroes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles.

Valve's Steam Store Standards Under Scrutiny

Interestingly, Valve appears to be deviating from its own Steam Store guidelines for Deadlock. Steam's standards typically require at least five screenshots on a game page, yet 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 adhere to the same rules as other developers. This echoes a similar controversy surrounding a 2024 sale of The Orange Box. 3DGlyptics, the publisher and developer of B.C. Piezophile, has voiced concerns about Valve undermining Steam's platform policy consistency.

However, Valve's dual role as both developer and platform owner complicates the application of traditional enforcement. The future handling of these concerns remains to be seen as Deadlock progresses through its development and testing phases.