Valve Software, the renowned game developer and digital distribution company, is reportedly working on a new title called "Deadlock." This upcoming game is described as a hero shooter that features six-versus-six battles on a four-lane map, reminiscent of popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games. Each character in Deadlock is said to possess unique abilities, aligning with the hero shooter genre’s standards, which include games like Overwatch 2 and Team Fortress 2, and most recently, XDefiant. Additionally, Deadlock is expected to incorporate item purchases within the game, allowing players to acquire various effects and abilities, a concept that draws parallels to MOBA titles such as Dota 2 and League of Legends.
Deadlock stands out with its third-person perspective, which could offer a gameplay experience similar to Hi-Rez Studio’s Smite, blending third-person action with traditional MOBA structures like towers and lanes. The game’s design reportedly includes a floating railway system for navigating towers and lanes, though it remains unclear whether this feature will be for individual or team use. The setting for Deadlock is purported to be a mix of fantasy and steampunk, featuring magicians, creatures, and robots, which could provide a distinctive aesthetic compared to other titles in the genre.