Deadlock, Valve's latest MOBA, is setting itself apart with a unique approach to character design, drawing heavily from the vibrant and often gritty archetypes of New York City. This distinctive flavor, termed 'New Yorkyness' by the game's community, imbues the game's roster with a character and depth rarely seen in the genre.
The recent "City Never Sleeps" update introduces a new wave of heroes, almost all of whom are direct interpretations of familiar New York City sights and sounds. Solomon, a chessboard-wielding wizard, embodies the image of an elderly man playing chess in the park. Baba, a grandmotherly figure feeding pigeons, offers a whimsical take on Slavic folklore. And the literal Rat King, a character born from the city's pervasive sewer imagery, makes his debut as a formidable force.
This focus on urban fantasy and specific cultural touchstones extends to community creations, with fans actively contributing concepts. One fan reimagined a Chinese immigrant and construction worker as Sun Wukong, illustrating the community's engagement with the game's setting and character potential.
Unlike many MOBAs, where heroes can feel like repurposed action figures with limited narrative depth, Deadlock's characters are given distinct personalities and backstories. Vyper, a sewer lizard with a firearm, is also depicted as a flirtatious career criminal, while Seven, a pulp serial villain, harbors tender memories of allies like Kelvin and Viscous.
This approach contrasts with the design philosophies of other major MOBAs. Dota 2's heroes, while sometimes having unique backstories, often trace their origins to existing fantasy archetypes, such as the ogre-like Disruptor being reminiscent of Orcs. League of Legends, while developing its own narrative, initially retooled existing character concepts. Heroes of the Storm draws from various Blizzard universes, creating a less cohesive cast, and Smite's use of real-world mythology, while rich, is also constrained by pre-existing associations.
Deadlock's dedication to original storytelling and its freedom from the design constraints of its predecessors allows it to forge a unique identity. The game's community has responded with significant enthusiasm, evidenced by the outpouring of fan art for new characters and the extensive in-game voice lines added in updates. The game recently achieved a new peak in concurrent players on SteamDB, indicating strong player interest.
Fans are already speculating about future character additions, envisioning figures like a ghostly muckraker journalist, a witch with a hot dog cart, or a landlord character who charges 'soul rent.' This anticipation mirrors the excitement of crossover fighting games, but without the overt commercial undertones. Deadlock's blend of pulpy fantasy and grounded New York celebration offers a fresh experience, maintaining its appeal even two years into its ongoing playtest.