After months of rising hype, reality has hit Deadlock hard. Rumors had painted the Valve shooter as a potential Esports World Cup 2025 title. Some organizations even signed full rosters — including PARIVISION in January. But now, that team is pulling out, and the game's competitive future looks bleak.

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There have been no major patches or official tournaments, and the community isn’t energized enough to push Deadlock forward on its own. With Valve’s famously measured development pace — not helped by their usual team getaway to Hawaii — this isn’t surprising. But it's still disappointing for early believers.

Meanwhile, NetEase is charging ahead, announcing a $3 million Marvel Rivals global tournament, showing what a committed developer can do for a new game’s scene. This puts Deadlock in a tough spot.

Now fans are wondering if Virtus.pro, another early adopter, might also drop their roster. And with interest shifting to Marvel Rivals, the transfer market is about to get wild.

For now, Deadlock fans should lower their expectations — 2025 won't be its breakthrough year.

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