Whoever told you that there’s no more room for another game in the hero shooter genre need only to take a look at what Valve is accomplishing with Deadlock.
As several live-service shooters struggle to make a mark, including Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and Concord, which shuttered just two weeks after launch despite a $100 million investment and eight years of development, Deadlock has reached an impressive 170,000 concurrent players on Steam weeks after basically being soft revealed to the general public by “accident,” and it isn’t even out yet.
Several key factors make Deadlock stand out from its competition. At its core, it isn’t a hero shooter. It’s a MOBA with shooter elements, created by the legendary video game designer, IceFrog, who you might know for helming the development of the Defense of the Ancients (DotA) mod on WarCraft 3 for a while before ultimately signing with Valve to create DOTA 2.
Deadlock’s distinctive art style and thematic elements help it stand out in a crowded genre. It embraces a rare paranormal noir aesthetic, offering a refreshing departure from the oversaturated cyberpunk and futuristic themes prevalent in many contemporary titles, providing a mature and intriguing visual experience.
Much like with DOTA 2, Deadlock weaves its gameplay mechanics into its narrative, creating an immersive experience that draws you in even if you aren’t really always interested in learning the lore of the games that you play. The concept of players constantly respawning is explained through the game’s occult-themed storyline, where characters must complete rituals and collect souls.
This attention to detail extends to the game’s currency system and even the design of its creeps, which take the form of enchanting candle creatures.
But, that’s not all. Deadlock’s character design is also a factor. It features a cast of morally ambiguous characters, each with their own motivations and backstories. This approach to character development adds complexity and intrigue, avoiding the common clear-cut hero and villain archetypes.
Valve’s approach to development and marketing also deserves praise. Unlike many AAA titles that overpromise and underdeliver, Valve has made it clear that Deadlock is a work in progress. Furthermore, Valve’s decision to make the game free-to-play removes a significant barrier to entry, allowing the more curious gamers to try the title out without financial commitment—as long as they can get someone to invite them to play the game.
As a private company, Valve also has the luxury of prioritizing player experience over shareholder expectations. This has allowed them to create a game with a clear vision and unique identity, rather than chasing trends or copying successful formulas from other titles, one of the downfalls of Concord.
Finally, Deadlock’s innovative gameplay mechanics, including a 4-lane structure and 6v6 format, set it apart from traditional MOBAs. The emphasis on movement and positioning adds an extra layer of strategy and skill, appealing to players looking for a fresh challenge in the genre.
While it isn’t perfect and Deadlock still has plenty of hurdles left to clear to become a full-fledged game, its initial success proves that remains plenty of room for innovation and creativity in the competitive multiplayer space.
By focusing on a strong core concept, unique aesthetics, and thoughtful integration of story and gameplay, Valve has created a title that stands out in an increasingly crowded market.
Between Deadlock, Black Myth: Wukong, and Astro Bot, it certainly feels like there’s a stronger demand for the type of games that dare to break the norms.
Hopefully, other video game companies can learn from these examples instead of playing safe.
