Deadlock Playtest Expands at Valve

Valve's hero shooter MOBA, Deadlock, remains in an invite-only testing phase as development continues. However, a recent streaming mishap appears to have uncovered a second, even more restricted playtest featuring previously unseen characters and redesigns.

Leaks emerged during a livestream by a top Deadlock player, who reportedly launched the wrong game build by accident. (Via Eurogamer.)

The on-screen roster, captured by viewers, introduced several new heroes including old-school Doorman, spectacled Bookworm, and gothic Vampirebat, along with visual updates for existing characters like Ivy. Though the streamer quickly closed the application after noticing the mistake, the information had already been exposed.

No further details have surfaced yet, though this leak is still recent. Deadlock has frequently been subject to leaks, with its very existence and content previously revealed through similar incidents. While testing builds for larger player groups to experiment with upcoming updates is common practice, it's somewhat unusual for Deadlock, which is still in an exclusive early access stage.

Community reactions appear divided, with some r/DeadlockTheGame subreddit users expressing frustration about feeling excluded from this new playtest. Even in its more accessible build, Deadlock has undergone significant changes, including the removal of an entire game lane. Valve has previously used Hero Labs mode to gather player feedback on new heroes, but this appears to be an additional testing method with a more selective audience.

Despite its restricted access, Deadlock has attracted a notable player base and gained attention from both shooter and MOBA enthusiasts. A new Valve title naturally generates interest, but its unusual release strategy and continued invite-only status have only increased curiosity. Now, speculation suggests there might be an even more exclusive version for players to discuss.

However, as one Reddit user humorously noted, it's important to maintain perspective: "Just what we needed - one Lash was trouble enough, and now there are two of him!"