It’s been some years since Valve released an original game, (read: not sequels or updates like the most recent Counter-Strike 2), so safe to say, nobody saw leaks pointing to the company’s upcoming project coming. The word from playtesters is that it’ll be a multiplayer hero shooter known as Deadlock, with traces of inspiration from Overwatch, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2.
While competitive gaming YouTubers are reportedly playing under a non-disclosure agreement, Valve-focused content creator Gabe Follower took to X/Twitter to share some details about the new title.
“6 vs 6 battling on huge maps with 4 lanes. Usable abilities and items. Tower defense mechanics,” he said. “Fantasy setting mixed with steampunk. Magicians, weird creatures and robots. Fast travel using floating rails, similar to Bioshock Infinite.”
Four screenshots were unveiled in a separate post, featuring characters battling in a city map and a description of the weapon and ability kit of a hero named Grey Talon. Notably, the design language, UI features, character art style, and font choices are consistent with those of Dota 2. In terms of gameplay, players can, in the words of Gabe Follower, expect “fast-paced interesting ADHD gameplay [with a] combination of Dota 2, Team Fortress 2, Overwatch, Valorant, Smite, [and] Orcs Must Die.”
Since Deadlock hasn’t been officially revealed, there’s no word on a release window or closed/open beta. However, Valve reporter Tyler McVicker claimed that an announcement is imminent in a video uploaded to YouTube.
Valve’s latest drop was Counter-Strike 2, which replaced the perpetually popular Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in 2023. In the same year, it launched the Steam Deck OLED, a refresh of its previous handheld PC iteration. Meanwhile, the wait for Half-Life 3 continues, following a franchise revival with 2020’s VR entry Half-Life: Alyx.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Natalie
Trinity Sun
