Valve’s in-development MOBA Deadlock is currently experiencing a notable increase in player numbers, returning to levels unseen for nearly a year. This surge follows the recent introduction of several new heroes, with the promise of additional releases on the horizon.

Initial testing for Deadlock began just over a year ago. Initially, Valve did not confirm the game’s existence, even though it was widely known it was under development. The early buzz allowed it to achieve over 171,000 concurrent players on Steam, though interest waned since then. Players can only join the playtest if invited by a friend on Steam, which could complicate access for potential players.

Deadlock Hits Highest Player Count in Almost a Year

Nevertheless, interest in Valve’s next multiplayer MOBA remains robust, as evidenced by recent SteamDB statistics. In recent days, Deadlock reached a peak of 47,111 players, a notable achievement considering it had stabilized in the range of 10,000 to 20,000 in the preceding months. While this is far from its all-time high of 171,490 players, it suggests that Deadlock may not be left behind in the coming months.

The player base has shown a significant increase thanks to Valve’s announcement of six new heroes slated for release, with three confirmed: Mina, Billy, and The Doorman. Notably, The Doorman’s unique ability to create portals has intrigued many gamers, reminiscent of features from other well-loved Valve properties. This influx of new characters seems to have reignited fan passion for Deadlock, but whether this enthusiasm is sustained over time remains uncertain.

After a pause in developing major titles in the mid-to-late 2010s, Valve appears to be increasing its focus on new game development. Not only did they launch Counter-Strike 2 in 2023 with ongoing updates, but various reports hint at positive progress regarding the long-anticipated Half-Life 3. Deadlock represents a new direction for the studio. Although not every endeavor will succeed, the gaming landscape is undoubtedly richer with Valve actively creating and launching new titles.