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, gameplay details, and the controversy surrounding Valve's approach to its own Steam store guidelines.
Deadlock's Beta Success and Public Unveiling
Valve's official Steam page launch marks a significant shift. The closed beta recently reached a peak of 89,203 concurrent players, a substantial increase from the previous high of 44,512. Previously shrouded in mystery, Deadlock is now open for public discussion, allowing streaming and community engagement. However, access remains invite-only, and the game is still in its early development stages, featuring temporary assets and experimental mechanics.
MOBA Meets Shooter: Deadlock's Gameplay
Deadlock blends MOBA and shooter elements in a unique 6v6 format. Players command heroes and manage squads of AI-controlled units across multiple lanes, similar to Overwatch, creating dynamic and intense battles. The fast-paced action requires strategic balance between direct combat and troop management. Frequent respawns, wave-based attacks, and powerful abilities add layers of complexity. Twenty unique heroes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles, further enhance the gameplay depth. Movement options like sliding, dashing, and zip-lining contribute to a fast paced and exciting experience.
Valve's Controversial Steam Store Compliance
Interestingly, Deadlock's Steam page deviates from Valve's own store guidelines, currently featuring only a single teaser video instead of the required five screenshots. This has sparked criticism, with some arguing that Valve, as a Steamworks partner, should uphold the same standards it sets for other developers. This situation echoes earlier controversies surrounding Valve's promotional practices. The discrepancy highlights the unique challenges inherent in a company acting as both developer and platform owner.
The future of Deadlock's Steam page compliance remains uncertain. While the game's early access status might explain some deviations, it's important to consider the fairness of the platform's policies. As Deadlock progresses through development, the response to these criticisms will be a key factor in shaping public perception.
