Valve's highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, has finally emerged from the shadows, boasting a newly launched Steam page. This article delves into the details of Deadlock's unveiling, its impressive beta statistics, gameplay mechanics, and the controversial approach Valve is taking to its own store guidelines.
Deadlock Officially Launches on Steam
The recent weekend saw Valve officially announce Deadlock, confirming its existence and launching its Steam page. The closed beta reached a remarkable peak of 89,203 concurrent players, a significant increase from the previous peak of 44,512 on August 18th. Previously cloaked in secrecy, information about Deadlock was limited to leaks and speculation. Valve has now lifted the restrictions on public discussion, allowing streaming, community engagement, and open conversations about the game. However, it's crucial to remember that access remains invite-only, and the game is still in its early development stages, featuring temporary assets and experimental gameplay elements.
A Unique MOBA-Shooter Hybrid
Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter mechanics, creating a dynamic 6v6 experience reminiscent of Overwatch. Teams battle for control, pushing back opponents while simultaneously managing waves of NPC grunts across multiple lanes. This innovative design fosters a constantly shifting battlefield where both player-controlled heroes and AI allies are essential.
Gameplay is fast-paced and intense, requiring players to strategically balance commanding their Troopers with direct combat. Key mechanics include frequent Trooper respawns, continuous wave-based battles, and the strategic deployment of powerful abilities and upgrades. The game emphasizes coordination and tactical depth, incorporating melee and ranged combat, and agile movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining. With 20 unique heroes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles, Deadlock promises a diverse and team-oriented experience.
Valve's Controversial Steam Store Compliance
Interestingly, Valve's approach to its own Steam Store guidelines for Deadlock has sparked controversy. While Steam guidelines typically require at least five screenshots on a game page, Deadlock's page currently only features a single teaser video. This deviation from established norms 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 similar past controversies, highlighting the complexities of a company acting as both developer and platform owner. The long-term implications of this approach and whether Valve will address these concerns remain to be seen.
