Valve's highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, finally has a Steam page after a period of intense secrecy. This article explores the recently lifted restrictions, the game's impressive beta statistics, its unique gameplay, and the controversy surrounding Valve's approach.

Valve's Deadlock: A Public Debut

The gaming world is buzzing after Valve officially unveiled Deadlock. Its Steam page launch follows a closed beta that reached a peak of 89,203 concurrent players—more than double its previous high. Previously cloaked in mystery, Deadlock's existence was only known through leaks. Now, Valve has eased restrictions, allowing streaming, online discussions, and community engagement. However, it remains invite-only and in early development, featuring placeholder art and experimental mechanics.

A MOBA Shooter Hybrid

Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter elements, delivering intense 6v6 battles similar to Overwatch. Teams clash, pushing opponents back while managing waves of AI-controlled units across multiple lanes. This creates dynamic, fast-paced gameplay where both player heroes and AI allies are crucial. Players must juggle commanding their troops with direct combat, utilizing frequent respawns, strategic abilities, and upgrades. Movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining add another layer of tactical depth. The game boasts a roster of 20 unique heroes, encouraging diverse playstyles and teamwork.

Valve's Steam Store Standards Under Scrutiny

Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page deviates from Valve's own store guidelines. While typically requiring at least five screenshots, Deadlock currently features only a single teaser video. This has sparked criticism, with some arguing that Valve, as a Steamworks partner, should adhere to its own rules. This echoes similar past controversies, like the March 2024 Orange Box sale. 3DGlyptics, the developer of B.C. Piezophile, has voiced concerns about Valve undermining Steam's platform policy consistency. However, Valve's dual role as developer and platform owner complicates traditional enforcement. The future will show how, or if, Valve addresses these concerns.