Valve has been quietly running a closed beta test for its highly anticipated next game, a third-person hero shooter called ‘Deadlock,’ for several months. The game, reminiscent of titles like Overwatch, first caught attention back in May with leaked footage revealing its characters and gameplay. While those lucky enough to participate in the beta are bound by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), recent SteamDB data paints a compelling picture of Deadlock’s explosive popularity.
Overnight, the game reached an astounding peak of 18,254 concurrent players. This surge in activity is a strong indicator of player engagement and retention, especially considering the closed beta’s limited access. Steam peak concurrent player counts serve as a reliable measure of a multiplayer game’s success, and this data suggests that Deadlock is already making a significant impact. The sheer number of players participating also hints at Valve’s potential preparations for a full release.
While Deadlock remains officially unannounced, its massive player count strongly suggests a server stress test rather than an early alpha aimed at refining fundamental design. This surge in activity, coupled with the recent Gamescom announcement speculation, further strengthens the likelihood of a public unveiling and an open beta release soon.
Sources have described Deadlock as a competitive 6v6 shooter with a unique lane-based map design, echoing the strategic depth of MOBAs like Valve’s own DOTA 2. The game boasts a roster of at least 19 playable characters, each with their own distinct abilities and playstyles, promising diverse and engaging gameplay. Given Valve’s established free-to-play model for DOTA 2, it’s likely Deadlock will follow suit, offering a similar monetization approach.
With such a dedicated player base already in place, it’s only a matter of time before Valve officially unveils Deadlock and introduces it to a wider audience. The game’s impressive popularity, unique gameplay mechanics, and potential Gamescom announcement make it a title worth watching closely. Will Deadlock surpass the achievements of Valve’s previous hit titles like Team Fortress 2, DOTA 2, and Counter-Strike 2? Only time will tell, but the early signs are undeniably promising.
