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Valve’sDeadlockstarted its Alpha testing phase with a bang and has attracted a lot of players. Fans online are already comparing the game to other hero shooters likeOverwatchandValorant. Despite what fans think though, it’s not exactly a Hero Shooter or First-Person Shooter (FPS).

A still from Overwatch 2.

It leans more toward the mechanics of MOBAs likeSmiteandDota 2. Despite its initial success in early access, many believe it isn’t a direct competitor toOverwatchand won’t pull its player base away. So, are players in denial, or is the comparison flawed from the start?

DeadlockMight Be the Next Big Thing, but Will It Be Big Enough?

One of the main differences betweenDeadlockand its so-called rivals is its genre. WhileOverwatchis a first-person hero shooter, the new competition has more MOBA-like mechanics in its third-person shooter format. Players have noted that while it does have characters with abilities likeOverwatch, the gameplay differs from the traditional hero shooter model.

It does have certain advantages overOverwatchthat could help it gain more traction in the long run. For one, Valve has been consistent with the updates, as you’d expect for a game in Alpha. The devs are introducing new features and mechanics during the alpha, such as wall-jumping and massive balance updates.

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“Maybe the bots will play with him”: Dr Disrespect Is Now Facing the Wrath of the Deadlock Community Next as Players Keep Leaving Any Game He Queues Into

The game is alsoalready proving to be a huge hit in its own right. Its early alpha testing phase attracted over 100,000 daily players, and this number continues to climb. The fact that it appeals to both MOBA and shooter audiences is one of its greatest strengths, giving it a fresh feel in a saturated market.

Valve already has experience in making competitive games that last. The early success the company has seen with its new release hints at a future where it could take over a sizable portion of the multiplayer market, though not necessarily at the expense ofOverwatch.

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Valve Knows How To Make It Work, Will We See Another Banger?

One major challengeDeadlockfaces in the competition againstOverwatchis its player base loyalty.Overwatchhas survived numerous controversies and disappointments. The most recent one being the cancellation of its single-player mode and ongoing balance issues.

Many players have been withOverwatchfor years making it difficult for any game to pull them away completely. But the competition will soon change aseven Marvel Rivals is looking to compete. So let’s see what happens.

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“Slowly Becoming TF2”: Fans Are Realizing Valve’s Most Played-Game Might Face the Same Fate as Another Abandoned Title After the Release of Deadlock

Despite its success, it’s unlikely thatDeadlockwill outright ‘kill’Overwatch. The brand recognition that Blizzard has achieved with its game and characters is deeply ingrained in players. Players who have spent years mastering its mechanics or have a strong emotional connection to its heroes are not likely to abandon the game altogether.

Deadlockmay actually siphon players from other games likeDota 2andTeam Fortress 2rather thanOverwatch. It is not so much a direct competitor to hero shooters, but a new breed of third-person MOBA with mechanics that make it appealing to those tired of traditional MOBA games.

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Deadlock’s shop mechanics, character customization, and deep strategic gameplay resonate with players who enjoy the lane-based combat seen in games like Dota 2 but crave something new.

Have you checked out this new MOBA shooter on the block? Let us know in the comments!

Daniel Royte

Gaming Writer

Articles Published :1370

As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. you’re able to also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.

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