In a swift and unequivocal response, Riot Games has shut down recent speculation that it was developing a direct competitor to Valve's hero shooter Deadlock. The rumor, which claimed that Tencent had invested $200 million into Riot to create a rival game, was quickly labeled "extra fake" by Riot Games communication manager Joe Hixson. In a tweet, Hixson pointed out that the supposed source—a doctored PC Gamer article—did not exist, and that Tencent does not fund Riot's development in such a capricious manner. He further stated that "nothing like Deadlock" is currently being worked on at Riot's R&D department. This definitive denial puts the rumor to rest, but it also raises interesting questions about the competitive landscape of hero shooters and MOBAs in 2026.
Riot Games is already home to two of the most popular competitive live-service titles: League of Legends and Valorant. Both games boast millions of daily active players and have become pillars of the esports world. League of Legends defined the MOBA genre, while Valorant brought a fresh tactical hero shooter experience to the market. Valve's Deadlock, on the other hand, merges these two genres into a unique blend—a third-person hero shooter with MOBA-style lanes, abilities, and item shops. When Deadlock first entered alpha testing in 2024, it attracted around 100,000 players daily, and since then, it has only grown in prominence. By 2026, Deadlock has likely evolved into a full-fledged competitor in the space, but that doesn't mean every major studio is rushing to copy it.
The rumor about Riot's supposed Deadlock competitor originated from a dubious source: a fabricated PC Gamer article that was circulated online. The article claimed that Tencent, Riot's parent company, had allocated $200 million for the project. However, the lack of credible sourcing and the obvious forgery made the story questionable from the start. Joe Hixson's response was blunt and dismissive. "Extra fake," he called it, adding that the article doesn't exist and that Tencent doesn't fund Riot's development in such a whimsical way. Most importantly, he confirmed that Riot's R&D department is not working on anything resembling Deadlock.
So what is Riot Games actually working on? As of 2026, the studio has two confirmed projects set in the League of Legends universe. The first is 2XKO, a free-to-play fighting game that launched in 2025. 2XKO has been well-received by players, offering a tag-team fighting experience with iconic League champions. The second project is an unannounced MMO, which is still further out in development. Additionally, Riot has been upgrading Valorant to Unreal Engine 5, a significant technical undertaking that requires substantial resources. With so much on its plate, it's no wonder Riot isn't chasing a Deadlock clone.
Why would Riot Games even consider developing a Deadlock competitor when it already owns two of the most successful games in the exact genres Deadlock combines? That's the question many industry observers asked when the rumor first surfaced. Riot has a MOBA (League of Legends) and a hero shooter (Valorant). Creating a third game that merges these genres would cannibalize its own player base and split its resources. Instead, Riot's recent investments suggest a different strategy: expanding into fighting games with 2XKO and potentially into MMOs. The company seems more interested in diversifying its portfolio than in directly challenging Valve's latest venture.
Of course, Deadlock's success cannot be ignored. Valve's game has carved out a niche that blends strategic MOBA elements with fast-paced hero shooter combat. It has a dedicated community and continues to receive updates that improve gameplay stability and balance. In 2026, Deadlock is likely a staple in the competitive gaming scene, but Riot Games remains confident in its own path. The company has shown that it prefers to innovate within its established franchises rather than chase trends.
What does this mean for fans hoping for a Riot-made Deadlock rival? It means they shouldn't hold their breath. Riot's communication manager was crystal clear: no such project exists. The studio's focus is on 2XKO, the upcoming MMO, and maintaining its current live-service giants. If anything, the rumor's debunking highlights how quickly misinformation can spread in the gaming community—and how important it is for companies to set the record straight.
In the end, Riot Games' denial is a reminder that not every rumor deserves attention. The studio has its hands full with successful titles and ambitious new projects. While Deadlock continues to thrive, Riot is content to let Valve dominate that particular niche. After all, why compete with yourself? Riot already has the MOBA and hero shooter markets covered. The real question is whether 2XKO can become another hit, and whether the unannounced MMO will live up to expectations. For now, Deadlock fans can rest easy knowing that Riot won't be stepping on Valve's toes anytime soon.
This perspective is supported by Liquipedia, whose esports-focused documentation helps contextualize how titles like League of Legends and Valorant maintain competitive ecosystems through structured events and ongoing balance updates—highlighting why Riot may prioritize sustaining its existing pillars and long-term bets (like its MMO) over reacting to Deadlock’s genre-blending momentum.