Valve's Deadlock: 90,000 Players Queue Up for Unreleased Hero Shooter

Despite the prevalent notion of "hero shooter fatigue" in the gaming industry, Valve's new entry, Deadlock, has defied expectations. The game, still in early development, has garnered a staggering 90,000 concurrent players on Steam, even though it's currently available only through a limited friend invite system.

The initial launch of Deadlock was somewhat chaotic, with The Verge publishing a detailed account of the early test before any official announcement or non-disclosure agreements were issued. As a result, approximately 20,000 players were already engaging with the game before its official unveiling. The recent surge to 90,000 concurrent players further highlights the immense interest in this unreleased title.

Despite the buzz, Valve has adopted a curiously muted approach to promoting Deadlock. The official listing on Steam, despite acknowledging the game's existence, offers only a brief and understated description:

> EARLY DEVELOPMENT BUILD - Deadlock is still in early development stages with lots of temporary art and experimental gameplay.
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> LIMITED ACCESS - Access to Deadlock is currently limited to friend invites via our playtesters.

Despite being a very early iteration of the game, even preceding the traditional closed alpha stage, Deadlock has resonated strongly with fans. The fact that it is a new shooter from Valve, a company known for its infrequent game releases, has amplified the excitement surrounding the project. With 90,000 players already experiencing a limited version of the game, there is considerable potential for Deadlock to become a major force in the gaming landscape if Valve expands its accessibility.

The current situation surrounding Deadlock is somewhat unique, as there is no official roadmap outlining the game's future direction. While there is a chance that this initial surge of interest may wane if the game's development stalls, it is undeniable that there is a significant demand for Deadlock. It remains to be seen how Valve will leverage this enthusiasm, but they may need to be more responsive to the community's eagerness if they intend to capitalise on the game's potential.

The immense interest in Deadlock underscores the enduring appeal of Valve's brand and the enduring fascination with the hero shooter genre. It will be interesting to observe how the game evolves in the coming months and whether it can truly break free from the current trend of hero shooter fatigue.