CS:GO goes offline after Valve support ends - should the game now be defined as a classic?

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) has been one of the most loved and popular competitive shooters for almost a decade. For the uninitiated, Counter-Strike is a popular first-person shooter where teams compete for targets in intense tactical battles in various locations. However, the launch of the sequel, Counter-Strike 2, marked a significant change. On 29 September 2023, Valve, the game's developer, revealed that they are officially going offline with CS:GO. This raises the question of how the transition will affect the game's legacy.

The evolution of CS:GO and the transition to CS2

After nearly a decade of intense popularity and competitive gameplay, CS:GO has undergone a significant change. The launch of Counter-Strike 2 introduced groundbreaking visual effects, reinterpretation of iconic CS:GO maps and a revitalisation of the game's fundamental, fast-paced, team-based first-person shooter. The gaming industry as a whole has seen technological advancements, particularly in the visual realm, with computer games becoming incredibly realistic and experienceable via VR, and online casinos expanding with immersive live games such as blackjack and roulette. We've come a long way from the Donkey Kong platform of the 90s.

What players have noted about CS2 in particular is that CS2 doesn't just try to mimic the previous version, but actually adds new elements. One notable change that was noted was the change in the game's aesthetic, with CS2 differentiating itself from CS:GO by utilising more vibrant and distinct environments. This is something that is obviously noted positively, as the vividness of these games, where players have to move around as a person in the game, requires vividness.

CS:GO goes offline - the road to a classic

Valve's decision to withdraw support for CS:GO and replace it with CS2 has not been without controversy. According to recent reports, CS:GO has officially been granted "legacy" status following the end of support on 1 January 2024, meaning there will be no further content updates or fixes. Players will now have to rely on community-hosted servers or choose to play CS2 as a replacement for CS:GO.

There is a lot of concern from players about whether the move to CS2 will be beneficial for Valve, even with the improvements, or whether the classic CS:GO will remain indispensable. CS:GO has had a huge player base and was one of the most popular games on Steam. Steamer is a digital distribution platform and online gaming community developed by Valve Corporation. It first launched in September 2003 and has since evolved into one of the largest and most popular platforms for digital distribution of computer games. The game's all-time high of 1,818,773 concurrent players is testament to its immense popularity. Despite this, recent statistics suggest that CS2 has gained momentum with over 835,000 players at present and a 24-hour peak of 1,471,730. It's a paradox for the future of the game - from a classic to a potential sequel.

Valve faces the classic dilemma. Do we stick with what works - at the risk of being surpassed? Or do we develop and take the necessary shitstorm during the adjustment period?

CS2 looks set to achieve the desired popularity.

A new era

The transition from CS:GO to CS2 marks a new era for the Counter-Strike series. While the original CS:GO is now placed in the "classic" category, CS2 seems to have picked up the baton and attracted the attention of both experienced players and newcomers. Early impressions of CS2 are mixed and criticisms have been raised, but patience and faith in the game's development is encouraged.

The question of whether CS:GO is now a "classic" depends on perspective. Perhaps it will always remain a classic in the hearts of those who have spent hours playing its competitive nature, or perhaps CS2 will take over as the new face of the Counter-Strike series. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: Counter-Strike has left an indelible mark on the gaming world and will continue to shape the esports landscape for years to come.

If you haven't already given CS2 a try, we highly recommend you do so now.