Valve's MOBA hero shooter Deadlock remains in an invite-only testing phase as development progresses. A recent livestream error appears to have exposed a highly exclusive playtest featuring new characters and revamped designs.
A leak emerged from a top Deadlock player's livestream, who seemingly opened an unintended game build on air. (Thanks, Eurogamer.)
The revealed roster, captured by viewers, introduced fresh characters like the classic Doorman, scholarly Bookworm, and eerie Vampirebat, alongside visual updates for characters like Ivy. The streamer quickly shut down the stream upon realizing the mistake, but the secret was already out.
No further details have surfaced yet, as the leak is still recent. Deadlock has faced leaks before, with its existence and content previously exposed. While test builds for broader player groups to experiment with updates are common, this secretive build is unusual for Deadlock, given its early, invite-only stage.
Community reactions are varied, with some r/DeadlockTheGame subreddit users frustrated, feeling sidelined despite participating in the existing playtest. Deadlock's public build has seen significant changes, including the removal of an entire lane. Valve has previously used Hero Labs mode to test new heroes, but this exclusive build suggests a more selective testing approach.
Despite its restricted access, Deadlock has attracted a notable player base and caught the attention of shooter and MOBA fans alike. A new Valve title naturally draws interest, but its unconventional rollout and invite-only status amplify its intrigue. This newly revealed build only fuels further speculation.
Still, some keep perspective, as one Reddit user quipped: "Great, one Lash was bad enough—now there’s two!"