I remember seeing it for the first time: the leaked screenshots, the hushed forum whispers. Could this be Valve’s next big move, or just another project lost to the ether? Now, emerging from its closed-door development, Deadlock is not just alive—it’s making a serious claim on the style throne.
Deadlock continues its development cycle behind closed doors (if you’ve got no friends to open them for you, that is), with every few months bringing major changes to its core gameplay and art style. The latest overhaul was truly one for the history books, as it singlehandedly propelled the game almost to the very top of what I consider the most “stylish” games ever made.
Deadlock‘s new Old Gods, New Blood update brought along a total visual (and story) overhaul of the game’s map, including both of the Patrons, the creeps, and everything in between. It is a complete stylistic shift, following previous updates that were increasingly stylized, embracing a genre blend that sits somewhere between late-19th-century New Orleans and early-20th-century New York (and all the cultural implications that might entail).
Six new heroes are also coming into the fold, each a work of art, though players will have to wait a while before all of them are playable, since Valve is doing another voting thing as they did for the previous batch.
From Zero to Hero: Deadlock‘s Aesthetic Ascent
Think of a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis. That’s the transformation Deadlock has undergone. This title was once a visual question mark, but it’s now boldly defining its artistic direction.
The patrons’ overhaul is what makes this update stand out. They are, genuinely, now as stylish and artistically refined as the rest of the game, drawing significant inspiration from period-appropriate literature and fiction to further advance Deadlock‘s worldbuilding as a fundamentally American pastiche and genre crossroads.
And what better place to at than Robert W. Chambers, the mind behind The King in Yellow, a late-19th-century anthology of stories loosely connected by an ominous and eponymous play (and character), which Valve turned into the Hidden King patron?
The rustic, infernal nature of the King and his deer antlers are very much in line with depictions of the King in Yellow, even those you might have seen in shows like True Detective. Just at it: it screams style, substance, and artistry, with each bit of the map carefully redesigned to reflect his character, unlike the generic floating head that was roaming about before.
How does Deadlock‘s art style compare to other MOBAs?
Imagine if DOTA 2 had a baby with a graphic novel set in 1920s New Orleans. That’s the neighborhood Deadlock is moving into. The game distinguishes itself with bold character designs that refuse to conform to established norms.
On the other side is the Arch Mother, a pale and ethereal queen of her own with a frozen monarch situated at her core (oddly reminiscent of the Hidden King himself). There is dialogue here, and though the voice lines of the announcers on both sides did suggest a shared lore, Deadlock now genuinely has an active conversation going on in the background of its MOBA gameplay, which isn’t something we’ve ever seen in the genre before.
Beyond Aesthetics: The Soul of a Game
I recently visited an art exhibit where one painting stood out, not just for its technique, but for the story it whispered. Games, too, need that soul, that narrative depth. It’s not enough to just look pretty. Deadlock appears to be building both form and substance.
As for the characters, the rest of the map, and the myriad of different artistic touchups to the UI, HUD, and every facet of the game: all of them reflect a wide range of genres and movements, from comics to movies to Valve’s own imagination. The coolest part is that it all blends together so well, forming a cohesive amalgamation of art that I am genuinely stricken by.
What makes Deadlock‘s worldbuilding so unique?
The “Old Gods, New Blood” update isn’t just a cosmetic change; it’s a lore injection. The game is drawing inspiration from literature, art, and history, creating a layered world that invites players to its mysteries. It’s Valve spinning a yarn that makes you want to listen.
I cannot express how much I appreciate that a game is putting art and style front and center, and though gameplay is as important as those two, we had too many well-playing games that just don’t that good.
And the best thing is that Deadlock is still a long way from launch, meaning more of the same is yet to come, which, as you could tell, I’m more than excited for.
When will Deadlock be released?
Valve Time is real. If you’re waiting with bated breath, remember that patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with a studio known for taking its time to perfect its creations. Keep an eye on official channels for updates, but don’t hold your breath.
Will this commitment to style elevate Deadlock beyond its competitors, or is it all just window dressing?