Valve's New MOBA Shooter, Deadlock, Officially Launches on Steam
After a period of secrecy, Valve's highly anticipated MOBA shooter, Deadlock, has finally arrived on Steam. This article explores the game's recent beta success, its unique gameplay, and the controversy surrounding Valve's approach to its own Steam store guidelines.
Deadlock's Beta Success and Public Unveiling
Valve has officially announced Deadlock's public availability, ending months of speculation fueled by leaks. The closed beta recently reached a peak of 89,203 concurrent players, significantly exceeding previous records. With the official Steam page launch, Valve has also lifted restrictions on public discussion, allowing streaming and community engagement. However, it's important to note that Deadlock remains invite-only and is still in early access, featuring placeholder art and experimental mechanics.
A Unique Blend of MOBA and Shooter Mechanics
Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter elements into a fast-paced 6v6 experience. Teams battle for control of multiple lanes, managing both hero characters and squads of AI-controlled units. The gameplay emphasizes strategic coordination, utilizing diverse hero abilities, frequent unit respawns, and dynamic map traversal options like sliding and zip-lining. With 20 unique heroes, the game promises a deep and varied experience.
Valve's Controversial Steam Store Listing
Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page currently deviates from Valve's own store guidelines, featuring only a single teaser video instead of the required five screenshots. This has drawn criticism, particularly from other developers who argue that Valve, as a platform operator, should uphold its own standards. This isn't the first time Valve's practices have been questioned regarding its own store listings.
While Valve's unique position as both developer and platform owner complicates enforcement, the discrepancy highlights a potential inconsistency in Steam's policies. The future will show how, or if, Valve addresses these concerns. Despite the controversy, Deadlock's innovative gameplay and community engagement promise an exciting future for this unique title.
