Valorant pro TenZ recently shared his concerns about Deadlock’s potential as an esport, highlighting the game’s complexity as a key factor limiting its viewer appeal.
Despite being in early access, Deadlock’s popularity has been growing, especially as it blends elements of MOBA and hero shooter genres. The excitement led to the announcement of the first tournament, with a $10,000 prize pool from afterMatch Esports. However, many fans are skeptical, feeling the game isn’t quite ready for a competitive esports scene.
TenZ echoed this sentiment during a stream, explaining that while Deadlock is enjoyable, it doesn’t seem suited for esports yet. He pointed out that the game’s intricacies make it difficult for both casual players and newcomers to grasp, saying, “The game is too confusing for a casual or even a new player. They won’t understand it.”
Deadlock introduces a fourth lane, unlike the typical three-lane structure seen in games like League of Legends, adding another layer of complexity. “MOBA games are already hard to understand for many people, and this game takes it a step further with its extra lane and an additional player,” TenZ explained.
He also mentioned that, in its current form, the game’s “viewing experience” won’t be as easy to follow as other competitive titles. This sentiment was echoed by ObsSojourn, a professional Overwatch 2 observer, who noted that broadcasting Deadlock requires a highly skilled and knowledgeable team to make it accessible to viewers.
With Deadlock’s first major esports event set for October 4, fans will soon see how these concerns play out on a larger stage.
