Valve’s Secret Game Deadlock is Finally Official, But You Still Need an Invite
Valve has done it again, unveiling its latest game, Deadlock, in the most Valve way possible—by pretending it didn’t exist even as thousands of players were already diving into it. Deadlock first appeared on Steam on April 28, 2024, and quietly amassed a growing player base before exploding in popularity, reaching a peak of 45,000 concurrent players in mid-August. Yet, despite its viral spread, Valve remained tight-lipped until they finally acknowledged the game’s existence, albeit with the caveat that it’s still invite-only.
Deadlock has captured attention for its unconventional release strategy, where players can invite others, turning access into a coveted commodity within the gaming community. This word-of-mouth approach has fueled excitement and created a sense of exclusivity around the game, even as leaks and gameplay videos have flooded YouTube and social media.
The game itself blends elements from familiar genres and titles, drawing comparisons to Dota 2, Overwatch, and Team Fortress 2. Despite being labeled as “in early development” with temporary art and experimental gameplay, Deadlock has already generated significant buzz. However, its true potential remains uncertain, with questions about its long-term identity and whether Valve will continue to invest in its development.
For now, Deadlock stands as a fascinating experiment in both game design and marketing, one that could either evolve into a major hit or fade into obscurity. Only time will tell if Valve’s latest project will become another classic or just a fleeting moment in the company’s storied history.
