Leak claims Valve is developing 6v6 hero shooter combining Overwatch, Valorant & DOTA

A new leak has surfaced claiming that Valve is working on its own 6v6 hero shooter and it’s supposedly a combination of Overwatch, Valorant, TF2, DOTA, and more.

The hero shooter craze has been reignited with everyone trying to get their hands on Marvel Rivals Alpha access, but it turns out it may not be the only game to get excited about.

According to leaker Gabe Follower, Valve is developing its own 6v6 hero shooter called ‘Deadlock’ but was previously known as ‘Neon Prime, Citadel.’

Deadlock. Next Valve game. Previously known as Neon Prime, Citadel. Competitive third person hero-based shooter. 6 vs 6 battling on huge map with 4 lanes. Usable abilities and items. Tower defense mechanics. Fantasy setting mixed with steampunk. Magicians, weird creatures and…

— ‎Gabe Follower (@gabefollower) May 16, 2024

Follower shared some details about the game and how it will differ from other shooters on the market by digging deeper into MOBA elements.

The leaker says that this game will feature a huge map with four lanes and will include tower defense mechanics like DOTA and League of Legends.

Heroes will be able to activate abilities, but they will also be able to use items, again, much like in MOBA titles.

Deadlock is said to be set in a fantasy, steampunk world with “magicians, weird creatures and robots.” The heroes are apparently inspired by the DOTA universe.

“Basically, fast-paced interesting ADHD gameplay. Combination of Dota 2, Team Fortress 2, Overwatch, Valorant, Smite, Orcs Must Die,” the leaker explained.

Additionally, screenshots show some of these mechanics in action, along with confirming there are lane minions. It’s unclear how these minions interact with the players just yet and whether or not there’s some sort of item shop.

Since testers started sharing Deadlock screenshots all over the place, here's ones I can verify, featuring one of the heroes called Grey Talon. pic.twitter.com/KdZSRxObSz

— ‎Gabe Follower (@gabefollower) May 17, 2024

The appetite for hero shooters has exploded in recent months as players have grown increasingly frustrated with Overwatch 2’s balance and an assortment of other issues plaguing the game, as well as the controversial decision to change to 5v5.

Marvel Rivals has emerged as a new competitor, but it’s still early days for the third-person shooter with many players still trying to gain access to the Alpha to try it out themselves.

Valve has plenty of experience with hero shooters, having developed TF2. If these leaks prove to be accurate, Deadlock could take quite a bite out of the market for such titles.

Unfortunately, the leaker didn’t share any information about a possible release window, when the game will be announced, or what platforms it will be on, though it’s safe to assume that it’ll be available on PC.

Until anything is officially revealed, be sure to take this info with a pinch of salt. Still, Gabe Follower does have a history of sharing insider info, so keep your eyes peeled for more details to come.