Valve Files Application for New Game Trademark

by Annabelle Stephenson
in News, PC, Release
on 3 June 2024

PC gaming giant Valve has recently filed an application for a trademark known as “Deadlock” with the US Patent and Trademark Office. While Valve has not officially announced the game, reports suggest that Deadlock will be a hero shooter similar to popular titles like Overwatch.

Previously, Valve had filed a trademark for a game called “Neon Prime” in 2022, but that filing is now inactive. Before that, the project was referred to as “Citadel.” According to Twitter user Gabe Follower, Deadlock will be a competitive third-person hero-based shooter, with teams of 6 battling it out on a massive map with 4 lanes. The game will feature usable abilities and items, as well as tower defense mechanics. Its setting will be a mix of fantasy and steampunk, with elements such as magicians, strange creatures, and robots.

One notable aspect of Deadlock’s gameplay is the fast travel system, which will utilize floating rails similar to the popular game Bioshock Infinite. The game will offer a fast-paced and dynamic experience, drawing inspiration from games like Dota 2, Team Fortress 2, Overwatch, Valorant, and Smite. The design of the heroes in Deadlock is said to be heavily influenced by the Dota universe.

Initially, the game was intended to have sci-fi elements inspired by Valve’s Half-Life and Portal franchises. However, after receiving negative feedback, the development team decided to shift their focus towards a fantasy setting. The main map of Deadlock will resemble a modern steampunk European city, reminiscent of the Half-Life series.

While there is still no official announcement from Valve regarding Deadlock, fans of hero shooters and Valve’s previous games are eagerly awaiting further updates on this exciting new title.

Additional facts:

– Valve Corporation, also known as Valve Software, is a prominent video game developer and digital distribution company based in Bellevue, Washington.
– Some of Valve’s most popular games include the Half-Life series, Counter-Strike series, Portal series, and the Dota 2.
– Valve is also the creator of the Steam platform, which is one of the largest digital distribution platforms for PC gaming.
– The US Patent and Trademark Office is responsible for granting trademarks and issuing patents in the United States.
– The application for the trademark “Deadlock” suggests that Valve has plans to release a new game under this title.

Important Questions:

1. What is the gameplay genre of Deadlock?
– Deadlock is expected to be a hero-based shooter game.

2. What are some key features of Deadlock?
– Deadlock will feature teams of 6 battling it out on a massive map, usable abilities and items, tower defense mechanics, and a fast travel system utilizing floating rails.

3. What is the setting of Deadlock?
– Deadlock’s setting will be a mix of fantasy and steampunk, incorporating elements such as magicians, strange creatures, and robots. The main map resembles a modern steampunk European city.

Key Challenges or Controversies:

1. Shifting focus from sci-fi to fantasy elements:
– The development team decided to change the initial sci-fi theme of Deadlock to a fantasy setting after receiving negative feedback. This change may have presented challenges in terms of redesigning gameplay mechanics, character designs, and overall world-building.

Advantages:

1. Well-established developer:
– Valve’s reputation as a respected game developer, known for creating popular titles, may attract a large player base and generate excitement for Deadlock.

2. Inspiration from successful games:
– Drawing inspiration from successful games like Overwatch, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2 could potentially lead to a well-designed and engaging gameplay experience.

Disadvantages:

1. Lack of official announcement:
– The fact that Valve has not made an official announcement regarding Deadlock may leave fans uncertain about the game’s progress, release date, and overall development.

2. High expectations:
– Valve has a history of releasing highly acclaimed games, which may lead to high expectations from players and critics. Meeting these expectations can be a difficult challenge for any game developer.