Deadlock is Valve Corporation's 6v6 hero-based MOBA shooter that gained massive notoriety through an unconventional secret alpha testing phase in 2024. Before its official announcement, the game amassed tens of thousands of players solely through a friend-referral system, leading to a flood of memes about its invite-only mystery. The meme culture surrounding the game focuses on its unique blend of Dota-style lane mechanics and third-person shooting, often poking fun at specific character balance, the parry mechanic, and the steep learning curve for players coming from traditional shooters. It represents the first major new IP from Valve in years, blending gothic and occult aesthetics that provide fertile ground for community-driven visual jokes.