Footage of Deadlock, the next game reportedly in development at Valve, has leaked online, showing off gameplay of the multiplayer hero shooter in action. The new gameplay videos reveal Deadlock’s training mode, several of its hero characters, and aerial lines that players will be able to ride around on, similar to the skyhook system used in BioShock: Infinite.
Described as a mix of Dota 2 and Team Fortress 2 influences, Valve-focused content creator Gabe Follower reported that the game will be a competitive third-person experience with a 6v6 format, tower defense mechanics, and it has a blend of steampunk and fantasy design influences. “Combination of Dota 2, Team Fortress 2, Overwatch, Valorant, Smite, and Orcs Must Die,” the account claimed.
“Hero design pretty much inspired by Dota universe,” Gabe Follower posted several days ago. “Main map references modern steampunk European city–little bit like Half-Life. Initially game had sci-fi elements inspired by Half-Life and Portal, but after bad feedback dev team decided to focus on fantasy.”
Several heroes have also been revealed, including the impish Ivy, gentleman demon Infernus, sneaky operative Haze, glass cannon Lady Geist, and pale sniper Vindicta. Interestingly, several of these characters have a “great for new players” tag, suggesting a beginner-friendly approach for newcomers. There’s also a closer look at the training modes on offer in the game, giving players a chance to become familiar with the controls and gameplay of Deadlock.
If Deadlock is Valve’s next game, it’ll be facing some stiff competition in this market. Valorant and Overwatch 2 have sizable audiences, while NetEase’s Marvel Rivals also looks set to make a big splash in the competitive gaming genre when it’s eventually released.
