Summary
With the recent release ofCounter-Strike 2(CS2), the gaming community has been buzzing with both excitement and trepidation. Among those offering their insights on the new version iswell-known Twitch streamer Shroud, who has recently expressed some concerns about the game’s future.
Launched in 2012 and powered by the Source engine,CS:GOhas firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the FPS genre. Its allure lies in its fast-paced action, strategic depth, and fiercely competitive multiplayer experience. Throughout its lifespan, the game has undergone a series of updates and enhancements, encompassing alterations to weapon balance, map designs, and the matchmaking system. Remarkably, despite being over a decade old,CS:GOconsistently shatters its peak player records. When news broke aboutCounter-Strike 2, an enhanced rendition ofCS:GOrunning on Valve’s Source 2 engine (a significant leap from the nearly two-decade-old Source engine),Counter-Strike: Global Offensiveonce again witnessed a surge in its player count.
On the very day ofCounter-Strike 2’s launch, it drew in a staggering 1.3 million players, an impressive feat in itself. However, it seems that the game failed to impress Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek, a former professionalCS:GOplayer. During a recent stream, he voiced his concerns about the smoke effect in Counter-Strike 2, suggesting that it should be removed from the game. Shroud went on to share a more significant concern, stating that he believesCounter-Strikemight eventually decline and even “die” with the arrival of this new game. His teammates, however, held a differing viewpoint, accusing him of excessive negativity, but Shroud remained resolute in his stance.
Only time will reveal whether Shroud’s prediction will come to pass. Nevertheless, thelaunch strategy forCounter-Strike 2has faced significant criticism, primarily due to the absence of key features such as Steam Workshop maps and community-created content. Regrettably, these elements are unlikely to make a return due to fundamental engine differences.
Moreover, the unexpected removal of allCounter-Strike: Global Offensiveachievements has disappointed several players, especially those who had diligently collected them. The 167Counter-Strike: Global Offensiveachievements have been supplanted by a singular Counter-Strike 2 achievement titled “A New Beginning.” On the security front, players have expressed concerns regarding potential hacking and cheating. However, it’s worth noting that any bans fromCS:GOwill persist inCounter-Strike 2. Additionally, Valve has rolled out a new anti-cheat mechanism, VAC Live, which promises to be notably more robust than its predecessor, Valve Anti Cheat.
