Deadlock
News, coverage and analysis tracking Deadlock across the outlets.
Latest coverage
PvE in Deadlock? Leaker suggests it’s right around the corner and it’s ‘1:1 Risk of Rain’
A leaker suggests that Valve's upcoming game Deadlock will feature a PvE mode that is heavily inspired by Risk of Rain. This mode would allow players to defend against waves of enemies and collect items. The leaker also indicated that this PvE mode might be tied to the game's lore and skins, and is not expected in early builds for several months.
Split spacebars are surely the next big gaming keyboard trend
The article discusses split spacebars as a potential next trend in gaming keyboards, highlighting their customizability and ergonomic benefits. The author suggests that programming the secondary spacebar key for functions like melee or voice chat can enhance gameplay without sacrificing typing or gaming performance.
Ex-Naughty Dog artist who helped design characters for Highguard promises to keep fighting the good fight - just not in the live-service sphere, anymore
Former Naughty Dog artist Del Walker, who contributed to games like The Last of Us Part 2, is stepping away from live-service game development following the shutdown of Highguard. Walker, known for his character designs, stated he will continue to focus on creating diverse characters, particularly Black women, but will no longer invest his energy into games that risk disappearing shortly after launch. Highguard, a 3v3 shooter, was shut down just weeks after its January release due to dwindling player numbers and funding issues, mirroring the fate of other live-service titles like Sony's Concord.
Deadlock's latest update brings some huge movement buffs like jumping mid slide and 30% increased air control—it's a lot cooler than it sounds
Deadlock's latest update introduces significant movement buffs, including the ability to jump mid-slide and increased air control after a dash jump. While these changes make characters like Rem more mobile and harder to catch, the patch also includes some nerfs to Rem's abilities, such as reduced healing frequency and decreased movement speed for his Naptime ability.
Deadlock revamps its whole hero pool as new patch introduces over 800 changes
Valve's upcoming game Deadlock received a massive patch introducing over 800 changes, revamping its entire hero pool and altering general game systems. The update also included item renames and additions, with the developer suggesting a significant portion of the Dota 2 team is now working on Deadlock. This extensive overhaul indicates accelerated development for the title, though a 2027 release is still anticipated.
A transformative Deadlock update just hit its entire roster with 850 lines of patch notes. Here are the biggest changes.
Valve has released a significant update for Deadlock, introducing extensive changes across its roster. The patch includes skill reworks, item overhauls, adjustments to movement mechanics, and new neutral camps on the map.
Highguard's failure is emblematic of something that has tormented videogame investors for years now: past live service hits do not equal future live service hits
The failure of live service games like Highguard highlights a persistent problem for investors: past success does not guarantee future hits. Even experienced developers like those from Apex Legends and major companies like Riot Games and Valve have struggled to replicate live service success, leading to cancellations and layoffs across the industry.
Deadlock's Magical Setting Carries On A Storied, And Welcome, Tradition
Deadlock's "Cursed Apple" setting reimagines New York City as a magical urban fantasy landscape, drawing inspiration from various fictional works and the city's own history. The game, a MOBA/hero shooter hybrid from Valve, features a diverse cast of characters that reflect the city's melting pot nature, with a particular focus on representation. The article praises the game's rich setting and its ability to make players feel part of a larger, magical narrative.
Deadlock Hits 125,000 Concurrent Players After Old Gods Update
Valve's unreleased hero shooter Deadlock has reached 125,000 concurrent players following its "Old Gods, New Blood" update. This surge in player count places it near competitors like Overwatch 2, despite Deadlock lacking an official release date or marketing. The update added new heroes and a 4v4 mode, demonstrating Valve's commitment to the game as a live service.
New York Sues Over Valve Loot Boxes
The State of New York has filed a lawsuit against Valve Corporation, alleging that its loot box mechanics constitute illegal gambling. The suit targets the "cases" and "keys" system, seeking to halt the practice and recover profits derived from it. This legal action could significantly impact the monetization strategies of PC games and the broader live-service industry.
Mobile revenue remained flat across 2025, but PC gaming "sees another record year" | Sensor Tower State of Gaming 2026
Sensor Tower's State of Gaming 2026 report indicates flat revenue for mobile games in 2025, while PC and console gaming experienced double-digit growth, with PC achieving a record year driven by Steam sales. Shooters saw strong performance, with Battlefield 6 topping PC/console sales, and strategy games led mobile revenue growth. The report highlights a shift towards player retention and monetization in the mature mobile market.
Valve's new Deadlock shooter nearly as popular on Steam as Overwatch, despite being invite-only and far from finished
Valve's unreleased hero shooter, Deadlock, has seen a significant surge in player numbers on Steam, reaching a peak of 125,000 concurrent players after a recent update. This surge places it close to the player count of Overwatch, despite Deadlock being invite-only and lacking an official release date. The game blends hero shooter and MOBA elements, drawing comparisons to Valve's own Team Fortress 2 and Dota 2.
