Valve’s Deadlock Breaks 89,000 Players on Steam After Official Announcement

Over the weekend, Valve’s latest reveal, a MOBA game titled Deadlock, became one of the most talked-about titles on Steam, with over 89,000 players at its peak.

Despite its early development stage, this 6v6 hero shooter has captured the attention of thousands of players due to its unique approach to alpha testing and Valve’s stellar reputation in the gaming industry.

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Deadlock’s Viral Growth From Secrecy to Sensational Success

In fact, despite its official announcement, Deadlock was already a hot topic on social media due to its unconventional player recruitment method for its alpha test. For context, the only way to join the Deadlock alpha test was by receiving an invite from someone already playing it. This invite-only system led to a flurry of activity on Valve’s Reddit page and Discord, where players eagerly exchanged Steam ID numbers to secure their spot in the alpha.

This unique approach ensured that the game’s secrecy wouldn’t last long, and by the time Valve lifted the embargo on August 23, Deadlock had already amassed a significant player base and a fervent following, with it surpassing the player numbers of games like Helldivers 2 and becoming the 12th most-played game on the platform.

Everything We Know So Far About Deadlock

Despite its rapid rise in popularity, we still know little about Deadlock. The game’s Steam page is sparse, providing only the bare minimum of information: it’s a “multiplayer game in early development with lots of temporary art and experimental gameplay.” Even basic details, such as PC requirements, are minimal, with the only specification being that the game requires a 64-bit processor and operating system.

However, some details about Deadlock have leaked over the past few months, offering a glimpse into what players can expect.

Game Overview and Mechanics

Initially conceived as a Dota spinoff called Neon Prime, Deadlock has evolved into a 6-vs-6 hero shooter developed by Valve, with involvement from IceFrog, the lead designer behind Dota. Players who access the alpha describe the game as similar to Dota, albeit with a fresh twist on the familiar MOBA formula.

Valve's next game 'Deadlock' has officially been revealed.

• 6v6, third person, hero shooter + MOBA
• Push through enemy lanes to reach their base
• Fight bots and other players to earn currency
• Buy upgrades mid-match
• Currently in Closed Playtest with invite code only pic.twitter.com/TJkmJi0Ivr

— KAMI (@Okami13_) August 23, 2024

For instance, matches structures around 6v6 combat, with each team pushing alongside their own minions to destroy the enemy’s fortifications and ultimately eliminate their Patron, a powerful orb-like entity. For context, matches start with players zipping into the battlefield at high speed, allowing for rapid engagement. Ziplines are colour-coded for clarity and offer quick access to the game’s four lanes and jungle zones, with players needing to balance offensive pushes with strategic defences.

In addition, players describe Deadlock’s gameplay as speed and verticality. For example, players can effortlessly mantle obstacles while reloading, and many characters have abilities that allow them to soar above the battlefield. The game’s fast-paced action and focus on teamwork make for thrilling, dynamic matches, with coordinated attacks often leading to devastating victories.

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Hero Roles and Character Roster

According to what we know thus far from the player’s feedback, the game reportedly features 20 diverse characters, each fulfilling a different role within the game’s mechanics. Listed below are the four roles we saw in the game:

• Tanks: Frontline heroes that absorb damage and protect their teammates.
• Supports: Healers and crowd controllers who assist their team by providing buffs and healing.
• Assassins: High-damage dealers who target key enemy heroes.
• Specialists: Unique heroes with niche abilities that can turn the tide of battle.

Besides the roles, players in the alpha test also voiced their notable heroes, which include Kelvin, a healer with crowd control abilities; Lash, a warrior; Grey Talon, an archer who sets traps; and Infernus, an assassin who wields fire and damage-over-time effects.

Deadlock Is Still a Work-In-Progress

Despite its early success, Deadlock is still a work in progress. The game’s art style and aesthetics are somewhat inconsistent, with some elements reminiscent of Valve’s Team Fortress 2 while others seem to be lifted from other MOBA games. This lack of a cohesive visual identity is one of the game’s most significant challenges, as Valve has always been known for creating distinct, memorable worlds.

However, it’s important to remember that Deadlock is still under development. Valve has a history of iterating on its games over time, and we are sure that Deadlock will continue to evolve as the company receives feedback from players. For now, it’s clear that Deadlock has captured the attention of the gaming community, and its future looks bright.

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