Deadlock: Valve’s not-so-secret MOBA-shooter hybrid game

In an unexpected turn of events, Valve Corporation appears to have quietly released a new game titled Deadlock on Steam, even though the company has not officially announced it. The game, which appears to be in a closed beta, is charting at #65 on Steam with over 23,000 concurrent players. Yet, Valve remains silent on its existence, fueling speculation and excitement among gamers.

The curious case of Deadlock started when keen-eyed players noticed a new title climbing the Steam charts – one bearing a digital certificate signed by Valve Corp, and bearing the company’s logos – leaving little doubt about its origin, despite no acknowledgment that it exists by Valve.

What Is Deadlock?

So, what exactly is Deadlock? Early reports and gameplay videos suggest that it’s a hybrid, combining the strategic planning and team fight mechanics of MOBAs like League of Legends with the fast-paced third-person shooter gameplay reminiscent of Overwatch and Team Fortress 2. This intriguing blend of genres has already captivated players, leading many to wonder why it took so long for such a concept to emerge in a major release.

Valve’s decision to leave the game unannounced seems to have inadvertently created a brilliant, organic marketing strategy. The mystique surrounding Deadlock has only heightened interest, with players scrambling to obtain Steam keys through various online communities. The ease of access to these keys and the game’s growing popularity suggest that Valve might be leveraging this ‘unofficial’ release as a large-scale beta test, gathering valuable data without the pressure of public expectations.

Valve’s unconventional “marketing”

This unconventional approach has certainly paid off. Players are flocking to Deadlock, not just for the gameplay but for the sense of exclusivity and discovery that comes with participating in something the developer hasn’t formally introduced. It’s a stark contrast to the typical hype-driven beta testing phases that other major studios, like Blizzard, often employ.

For Valve, this silent release might also be a way to avoid early criticisms of polish and gameplay balance, as players are less likely to complain about a game they had to dig up themselves. And with Valve’s reputation as a top-tier game developer, this clever maneuver only adds to their mystique.

Valve’s small dev team continues to drive big hits

The arrival of Deadlock also answers questions raised earlier about what Valve’s development team has been working on. Despite having a relatively small development studio, Valve continues to deliver high-quality games that resonate with players. Deadlock seems to be their latest, unannounced project, and based on early player reactions, it’s already a hit.

As Deadlock continues to grow in popularity, all eyes are on Valve to see when — or if — they will officially acknowledge the game’s existence. Until then, gamers will continue to enjoy this mysterious new addition to Steam’s library, relishing the chance to be part of something that feels both exclusive and groundbreaking.