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Dear Valve Developers, Hello from a passionate Chinese gamer and longtime admirer of your incredible work. As a devoted player who has deeply enjoyed your iconic titles—*Counter-Strike*, *DOTA*, and *Left 4 Dead*—I’ve always been struck by the bold creativity and imaginative depth that define Valve’s games. With the recent release of *Deadlock*, I’m even more impressed. The game feels fresh, original, and bursting with potential. It’s truly inspiring to see Valve continue pushing boundaries in game design. Most importantly, thank you for actively listening to the community—this kind of openness is rare and deeply appreciated.
That said, I’d like to gently highlight something I noticed: while *Deadlock* already features a diverse roster of heroes with unique cultural and thematic backgrounds, there isn’t yet a character whose core identity draws directly from Chinese culture. Given the richness, depth, and visual poetry of China’s mythological, philosophical, and martial traditions, I truly believe there’s an exciting opportunity here—not only to expand the game’s artistic scope but also to meaningfully engage one of the largest and fastest-growing gaming communities in the world. China consistently ranks among the top regions on Steam in terms of user base and engagement, and this audience continues to grow. Introducing a hero rooted in authentic Chinese themes wouldn’t just be a symbolic gesture—it would resonate powerfully with millions of players, deepen cultural representation in your games, and strengthen *Deadlock*'s presence in Asia.
More than that, it could set a new standard for how global narratives are woven into sci-fi or fantasy settings without falling into cliché. With that in mind, I’d love to share a few conceptual directions for potential Chinese-inspired heroes—designed not as caricatures, but as fully realized characters grounded in real cultural essence:
1. The Daoist Adept – "Ink Sovereign" (Concept Name) Theme: Taoism, Yin-Yang Balance, Five Elements (Wu Xing), Ink Wash Aesthetic Role: Hybrid Support / Area Control / Burst Damage This hero embodies the harmony of opposites—light and dark, creation and destruction—through the lens of traditional Daoist philosophy. Dressed in flowing *daopao* robes, their visual style blends ethereal brushwork with dynamic ink splatters, rendered in a classical Chinese ink-wash art style, evoking ancient scrolls come to life. - Basic Attack: Wields a magical ink brush, flinging concentrated ink droplets at enemies—each hit leaves a temporary “stain” that amplifies subsequent abilities.- Ability 1 – "Elemental Cycle": Channels one of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) cyclically. Each form alters the next basic attack: - *Fire*: AoE explosion - *Water*: Slow field + healing over time for allies - *Earth*: Ground spike + brief stun - *Metal*: Piercing projectile - *Wood*: Healing zone or damage absorption aura- Ability 2 – "Yin & Yang Seal": Deploys a circular symbol on the ground (reminiscent of the Taijitu). Enemies inside suffer reduced cooldown recovery and movement speed; allies gain ability haste.- Ultimate – "Scroll of Binding Realms": Unfurls a massive scroll mid-air, briefly lifting himself into the sky before crashing down, creating a large arena engulfed in animated ink. Within this space: - Enemy actions are distorted—abilities misfire or reverse effect direction. - Allies gain enhanced mobility and vision. - After several seconds, the scroll retracts, dealing heavy damage to trapped foes. *Design Philosophy:* This hero isn’t just about elemental magic—he represents balance, flow, and subtle control. His presence shifts the rhythm of battle, rewarding patience and positioning.
2. The Wandering Swordsman – "Jianzhi" (Sword Truth) Theme: Wuxia (Martial Heroism), Qi Cultivation, Sword Immortal Lore Role: Mobile Assassin / Skillshot DPS Inspired by legendary sword saints and wandering knights of old, this warrior walks the path of justice (*xia dao*), guided by personal honor rather than law. He doesn’t just wield a sword—he *communes* with it. Bound by spiritual resonance, his blade responds to his inner energy (*qi*), allowing him to manifest Flying Swords (Feijian) and unleash devastating slashes across vast distances. - Passive – "Harmony of Blade and Breath": Every third basic attack releases a wave of condensed qi—a short-range cleave that extends his reach.- Ability 1 – "Skyward Thrust": Leaps forward with a vertical slash, damaging and briefly launching enemies. Can be aimed diagonally upward/downward depending on terrain.- Ability 2 – "Calligraphy of Steel": Summons three floating swords around him. These can be manually fired individually or all at once in a barrage. Each sword travels in a straight line, piercing through targets. - Hold to charge: Fires them in a fan-shaped spread.- Ability 3 – "Cross-Cutting Aura": Releases horizontal and vertical waves of energy simultaneously—an instant X-shaped shockwave that stuns enemies caught at the center.- Ultimate – "Ten Thousand Swords Descend": Invokes a celestial storm of blades. For 8 seconds, auto-attacks trigger homing micro-swords toward nearby enemies. While active, he gains increased attack speed and slight evasion chance. Visually, thousands of glowing jian fill the sky before raining down like stars. *Narrative Touch:* Imagine cinematic moments where he stands still, eyes closed, as swords orbit him silently—then flicks his wrist, and they vanish into motion. Pure wuxia poetry.
3. The Dragonblood Youth – "Longxuan" (Dragon Echo) Theme: Chinese Dragon Mythos, Celestial Pact, Storm Magic Role: Long-Range Mage / Transformation Hybrid Legends say dragons don’t merely exist—they choose vessels. This young hero was born during a thunderstorm under a red moon, marked by destiny. At adolescence, he bonded with a slumbering celestial dragon spirit deep beneath the mountains. Now, he channels its primordial breath: swirling vapor, crackling lightning, and mist-born illusions. - Basic Attack: Hurls bolts of condensed dragon breath—slow-moving but explosive on impact.- Ability 1 – "Mistwalk": Creates a fog cloud that grants stealth and slightly increases movement speed. Allies passing through gain brief camo.- Ability 2 – "Roar of the East Sea": Emits a cone-shaped sonic blast that knocks back enemies and disrupts channeling abilities (like ultimates).- Ability 3 – "Cloudstride": Teleports a short distance in a burst of mist. If used again within 4 seconds, returns to original location—perfect for hit-and-run tactics.- Ultimate – "Ascension: Dragon Form": Transforms into a semi-corporeal dragon for 12 seconds. Gains flight over terrain, breathes continuous fire in a wide arc, and can dash through enemies, leaving behind burning trails. During transformation, takes reduced damage and cannot be crowd-controlled. *Visual Fantasy:* Picture glowing azure scales forming across his arms, wings unfolding from mist, and ancient runes igniting in the air as the dragon’s voice echoes in the background. This isn’t just a skin swap—it’s a full metamorphosis.
Why This Matters Valve has always excelled at creating worlds that feel mythic, not just technological. From Roshan to the Witch, your monsters and heroes carry archetypal weight. By drawing from China’s millennia-old storytelling traditions, you’re not just adding another skin or voice line—you’re tapping into a universe of narrative depth that includes: - Philosophical duality (Yin-Yang, Dao vs. Chaos)- Spiritual cultivation paths (immortals, demons, monks)- Rich historical institutions (e.g., Jinyiwei – secret police with black capes and hooked weapons)- Mythical creatures beyond dragons: *fox spirits (huli jing)*, *jiangshi (hopping vampires)*, *qilin*, *bifeng*, etc.- Martial arts schools: Shaolin monks with staff mastery, tai chi masters manipulating force fields... And let’s not forget aesthetics: red lanterns, cloud patterns, phoenix motifs, ancient calligraphy, traditional music using guqin and pipa—all offer immersive ways to enrich *Deadlock*'s audiovisual language.
Final Thoughts Introducing a Chinese-inspired hero isn’t about tokenism. It’s about expanding the soul of the game. It’s about honoring a culture that has influenced martial arts, philosophy, and cinema worldwide—but remains underrepresented in Western-developed multiplayer games. You’ve built *Deadlock* on innovation and inclusivity. So when you're brainstorming the next iconic character, consider looking east—not to exoticize, but to collaborate with authenticity. Partner with Chinese concept artists, consult folklore scholars, or even run a community design contest focused on regional myths. The result could be more than just a new hero. It could become a bridge. Thank you again for everything Valve has given to gamers around the globe. Your legacy isn’t just in engines or storefronts—it’s in the joy we feel every time we press “Play.” I hope *Deadlock* thrives, evolves, and becomes a canvas where every culture sees itself reflected in the fight for the future. With deep respect and excitement, A loyal player from China.
P.S. If you ever need help testing localized content or validating cultural accuracy, I know dozens of fans who’d volunteer in a heartbeat.
That said, I’d like to gently highlight something I noticed: while *Deadlock* already features a diverse roster of heroes with unique cultural and thematic backgrounds, there isn’t yet a character whose core identity draws directly from Chinese culture. Given the richness, depth, and visual poetry of China’s mythological, philosophical, and martial traditions, I truly believe there’s an exciting opportunity here—not only to expand the game’s artistic scope but also to meaningfully engage one of the largest and fastest-growing gaming communities in the world. China consistently ranks among the top regions on Steam in terms of user base and engagement, and this audience continues to grow. Introducing a hero rooted in authentic Chinese themes wouldn’t just be a symbolic gesture—it would resonate powerfully with millions of players, deepen cultural representation in your games, and strengthen *Deadlock*'s presence in Asia.
More than that, it could set a new standard for how global narratives are woven into sci-fi or fantasy settings without falling into cliché. With that in mind, I’d love to share a few conceptual directions for potential Chinese-inspired heroes—designed not as caricatures, but as fully realized characters grounded in real cultural essence:
1. The Daoist Adept – "Ink Sovereign" (Concept Name) Theme: Taoism, Yin-Yang Balance, Five Elements (Wu Xing), Ink Wash Aesthetic Role: Hybrid Support / Area Control / Burst Damage This hero embodies the harmony of opposites—light and dark, creation and destruction—through the lens of traditional Daoist philosophy. Dressed in flowing *daopao* robes, their visual style blends ethereal brushwork with dynamic ink splatters, rendered in a classical Chinese ink-wash art style, evoking ancient scrolls come to life. - Basic Attack: Wields a magical ink brush, flinging concentrated ink droplets at enemies—each hit leaves a temporary “stain” that amplifies subsequent abilities.- Ability 1 – "Elemental Cycle": Channels one of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) cyclically. Each form alters the next basic attack: - *Fire*: AoE explosion - *Water*: Slow field + healing over time for allies - *Earth*: Ground spike + brief stun - *Metal*: Piercing projectile - *Wood*: Healing zone or damage absorption aura- Ability 2 – "Yin & Yang Seal": Deploys a circular symbol on the ground (reminiscent of the Taijitu). Enemies inside suffer reduced cooldown recovery and movement speed; allies gain ability haste.- Ultimate – "Scroll of Binding Realms": Unfurls a massive scroll mid-air, briefly lifting himself into the sky before crashing down, creating a large arena engulfed in animated ink. Within this space: - Enemy actions are distorted—abilities misfire or reverse effect direction. - Allies gain enhanced mobility and vision. - After several seconds, the scroll retracts, dealing heavy damage to trapped foes. *Design Philosophy:* This hero isn’t just about elemental magic—he represents balance, flow, and subtle control. His presence shifts the rhythm of battle, rewarding patience and positioning.
2. The Wandering Swordsman – "Jianzhi" (Sword Truth) Theme: Wuxia (Martial Heroism), Qi Cultivation, Sword Immortal Lore Role: Mobile Assassin / Skillshot DPS Inspired by legendary sword saints and wandering knights of old, this warrior walks the path of justice (*xia dao*), guided by personal honor rather than law. He doesn’t just wield a sword—he *communes* with it. Bound by spiritual resonance, his blade responds to his inner energy (*qi*), allowing him to manifest Flying Swords (Feijian) and unleash devastating slashes across vast distances. - Passive – "Harmony of Blade and Breath": Every third basic attack releases a wave of condensed qi—a short-range cleave that extends his reach.- Ability 1 – "Skyward Thrust": Leaps forward with a vertical slash, damaging and briefly launching enemies. Can be aimed diagonally upward/downward depending on terrain.- Ability 2 – "Calligraphy of Steel": Summons three floating swords around him. These can be manually fired individually or all at once in a barrage. Each sword travels in a straight line, piercing through targets. - Hold to charge: Fires them in a fan-shaped spread.- Ability 3 – "Cross-Cutting Aura": Releases horizontal and vertical waves of energy simultaneously—an instant X-shaped shockwave that stuns enemies caught at the center.- Ultimate – "Ten Thousand Swords Descend": Invokes a celestial storm of blades. For 8 seconds, auto-attacks trigger homing micro-swords toward nearby enemies. While active, he gains increased attack speed and slight evasion chance. Visually, thousands of glowing jian fill the sky before raining down like stars. *Narrative Touch:* Imagine cinematic moments where he stands still, eyes closed, as swords orbit him silently—then flicks his wrist, and they vanish into motion. Pure wuxia poetry.
3. The Dragonblood Youth – "Longxuan" (Dragon Echo) Theme: Chinese Dragon Mythos, Celestial Pact, Storm Magic Role: Long-Range Mage / Transformation Hybrid Legends say dragons don’t merely exist—they choose vessels. This young hero was born during a thunderstorm under a red moon, marked by destiny. At adolescence, he bonded with a slumbering celestial dragon spirit deep beneath the mountains. Now, he channels its primordial breath: swirling vapor, crackling lightning, and mist-born illusions. - Basic Attack: Hurls bolts of condensed dragon breath—slow-moving but explosive on impact.- Ability 1 – "Mistwalk": Creates a fog cloud that grants stealth and slightly increases movement speed. Allies passing through gain brief camo.- Ability 2 – "Roar of the East Sea": Emits a cone-shaped sonic blast that knocks back enemies and disrupts channeling abilities (like ultimates).- Ability 3 – "Cloudstride": Teleports a short distance in a burst of mist. If used again within 4 seconds, returns to original location—perfect for hit-and-run tactics.- Ultimate – "Ascension: Dragon Form": Transforms into a semi-corporeal dragon for 12 seconds. Gains flight over terrain, breathes continuous fire in a wide arc, and can dash through enemies, leaving behind burning trails. During transformation, takes reduced damage and cannot be crowd-controlled. *Visual Fantasy:* Picture glowing azure scales forming across his arms, wings unfolding from mist, and ancient runes igniting in the air as the dragon’s voice echoes in the background. This isn’t just a skin swap—it’s a full metamorphosis.
Why This Matters Valve has always excelled at creating worlds that feel mythic, not just technological. From Roshan to the Witch, your monsters and heroes carry archetypal weight. By drawing from China’s millennia-old storytelling traditions, you’re not just adding another skin or voice line—you’re tapping into a universe of narrative depth that includes: - Philosophical duality (Yin-Yang, Dao vs. Chaos)- Spiritual cultivation paths (immortals, demons, monks)- Rich historical institutions (e.g., Jinyiwei – secret police with black capes and hooked weapons)- Mythical creatures beyond dragons: *fox spirits (huli jing)*, *jiangshi (hopping vampires)*, *qilin*, *bifeng*, etc.- Martial arts schools: Shaolin monks with staff mastery, tai chi masters manipulating force fields... And let’s not forget aesthetics: red lanterns, cloud patterns, phoenix motifs, ancient calligraphy, traditional music using guqin and pipa—all offer immersive ways to enrich *Deadlock*'s audiovisual language.
Final Thoughts Introducing a Chinese-inspired hero isn’t about tokenism. It’s about expanding the soul of the game. It’s about honoring a culture that has influenced martial arts, philosophy, and cinema worldwide—but remains underrepresented in Western-developed multiplayer games. You’ve built *Deadlock* on innovation and inclusivity. So when you're brainstorming the next iconic character, consider looking east—not to exoticize, but to collaborate with authenticity. Partner with Chinese concept artists, consult folklore scholars, or even run a community design contest focused on regional myths. The result could be more than just a new hero. It could become a bridge. Thank you again for everything Valve has given to gamers around the globe. Your legacy isn’t just in engines or storefronts—it’s in the joy we feel every time we press “Play.” I hope *Deadlock* thrives, evolves, and becomes a canvas where every culture sees itself reflected in the fight for the future. With deep respect and excitement, A loyal player from China.
P.S. If you ever need help testing localized content or validating cultural accuracy, I know dozens of fans who’d volunteer in a heartbeat.
