Yes, you heard us correctly – the upcoming Valve game Deadlock has managed to secure a spot in Steam’s top 10 most played games, at least for a little while, despite not having been officially released yet. Hitting a peak of #9, Deadlock had surpassed titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, demonstrating its immense hype and popularity; not the best-kept secret out there.

As a new Valve title, it will undoubtedly get a lot of attention, even though the game has only just dropped its previous informal NDA and remains invite-only. Deadlock is still in the pre-release stage, typically a time when games are undergoing heavy testing and adjustments before their official launch.

Deadlock footage is now allowed and it’s a promising start

Deadlock’s success can be attributed to several factors, aside from being Valve’s first big title in years, especially with a new IP to discover. Firstly, the game’s unique gameplay mechanics and style world have captured the attention of gamers in the teaser trailer and user reviews on YouTube following the ‘light NDA’ removal. Apparently, over 200K people have access to the game now.

While specific details about the gameplay are still limited in terms of Valve’s own marketing, the early access footage and developer updates have generated significant excitement. Secondly, the game’s developers and testers have actively engaged with the community through social media and forums, fostering a further sense of anticipation.

While Deadlock’s current position in the top 10 may fluctuate as new games are released and existing ones gain or lose popularity, it is a clear indication of the game’s potential – especially before a release date is even official. The fact that it has managed to surpass major titles speaks volumes about its appeal and only more people are looking to get in on the action.

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Tom Valentine

Tom is a tech writer with a detailed view on ensuring the best buying advice, most useful information, and latest news makes its way into PC Guide's articles.