Why TenZ thinks Deadlock will never make it in esports

Iconic Valorant pro Tyson “TenZ” Ngo has been streaming more since announcing his retirement. This includes trying out Deadlock and he has some interesting insight into its future as an esport.

TenZ was one of the most recognizable names in pro Valorant since the game launched its esports scene. Fans were shocked when the popular player retired, but he explained that it’s due to wanting to focus more on content creation — which he has always wanted to pursue — and things in his personal life.

One of the games he picked up while streaming recently was Deadlock and fans wanted to get his opinion on the game’s future as an esport.

TenZ predicts the future of Deadlock esports

While streaming some Deadlock matches, fans asked TenZ if he sees the game working in esports. Valve is likely planning a competitive scene since it is heavily invested in the competitive scenes of its other games, Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2.

TenZ responded that the game is fun but probably not “optimal” as an esport. Why? Apparently the game is too complex.

“It’s too confusing for casuals or players just starting off. They won’t understand. MOBAs are already hard for people to understand, but this game is definitely a step up. It’s a MOBA but it’s also in third-person and with an extra lane and player. The viewing experience would not be optimal. It would be very confusing,” TenZ told fans.

This was an issue that also plagued Overwatch 2. It was often difficult for observers to follow the action since many things were happening at once, and it was even harder for some viewers to understand exactly what was going on during a match. Deadlock could possibly fall into the same category since many streamers, pros, and casual players alike have admitted the game is a bit complex and hard to follow as an esport.

Other gamers agreed this is possible, with some pointing out that early Deadlock tournaments during the testing stage have been almost impossible to follow. Deadlock players noted that there needs to be a handful of observers just to catch the action in one lane. Teamfights would add an extra layer of confusion and difficulty to follow.

Still, TenZ predicts that Valve will definitely give it a try. He joked that Valve has two new “favorite games” in Dota 2 and Deadlock. TenZ said that devs will be focused on these two games’ updates and esports scene, possibly abandoning Counter-Strike 2.

While TenZ was likely exaggerating his prediction, fans have faith in Valve and Deadlock. Some fans believe that Deadlock just needs a few years for fans to get used to it and then the esports scene will explode.