Valve's Deadlock MOBA shooter gets exclusive update

Valve's MOBA hero shooter Deadlock remains in an invite-only testing phase as development continues. However, a recent livestream mishap appears to have unveiled a more exclusive second playtest showcasing unseen characters and redesigns.

Accidental Livestream Reveals Secret Build

The leak originated when a top Deadlock player reportedly opened an incorrect game build during a livestream. Viewers captured glimpses of new characters including retro-inspired Doorman, scholarly Bookworm, and gothic Vampirebat, plus visual updates for existing heroes like Ivy.

The host quickly exited the unintended build, but the cat was effectively out of the bag at that point.

Mixed Reactions From the Community

The gaming community has shown divided responses since the leak. Some players on r/DeadlockTheGame expressed frustration about feeling excluded from this more secretive testing phase.

Deadlock has already undergone significant changes in its more accessible build, including the removal of an entire game lane. While Valve typically uses Hero Labs for public hero testing, this appears to be an additional tier of closed testing.

The Curious Case of Deadlock's Development

Despite its invite-only status, Deadlock has attracted substantial attention from both shooter and MOBA enthusiasts. Valve's new project naturally draws interest, but its unusual rollout strategy has only amplified curiosity.

As one Redditor humorously noted: "Just what we needed - double the trouble with two Lashes!" While intriguing, players should maintain perspective about leaks versus official announcements.