Istafa Ali
According to insiders, Counter-Strike 2, a new edition of the popular video game, will soon be published, according to seasoned esports writer Richard Lewis. A beta test might be made available as soon as March 2023.
A ‘csgos2′ executable was discovered in files from an NVIDIA driver update at the end of February, ending years of leaks and speculations of a CS:GO version using the source engine.
Given that the most recent installment in the series, Global Offensive, was published back in 2012, this was the first conclusive evidence of a Source 2 update for Counter-Strike.
According to Lewis’ sources, the beta for Counter-Strike 2, which uses the new Source 2 engine, might be released as soon as this month.
Release of the Counter-Strike 2 beta
A beta version of Counter-Strike 2 is scheduled for release in March 2023, with an April 1 release date as the very latest.
The Source 2 version of Counter-Strike has been a priority at Valve, according to sources with knowledge of the game’s development who spoke to Richard Lewis under the condition of anonymity. One of the sources was quoted as saying: “The big priority is getting this out and then polishing it, fixing any bugs, and bringing it up to the level people expect from CS.”
According to reports, 128 tick servers will be available in Counter-Strike: Source 2 from launch, a feature that CSGO enthusiasts have been clamouring for. A better matching mechanism is also anticipated, which would reduce the need for “third-party” matchmakers like FACEIT and ESEA.
The game has already undergone testing at Valve’s Seattle headquarters, according to sources.
Will CS:GO be replaced by Counter-Strike 2?
How the new release will fit into the very competitive CS:GO top level and how it could affect the present skin economy are yet unknown, according to Lewis. It is unclear if the new game will combine with CS:GO or continue to operate independently, like earlier versions of CS did. A merging akin to Dota2’s Source 2 version is also possible.
Later on March 5, Valve leaker “Gabe Follower” responded to Lewis’ allegation, saying that the new game would not be called “Counter-Strike 2” or be renamed in any way. CS:GO running on the Source 2 engine will be the only thing left in the finished game.
With possibly billions of dollars in worth retained in players’ accounts and on trade platforms, the future of the CS:GO skin economy will also be a worry for many gamers.
Both skin enthusiasts and Gabe Follower minimised the danger to already-existing goods like skins and stickers.
Valve receives a significant portion of its income from CS:GO case openings and Steam market activity, so the company will undoubtedly take Counter-Strike 2’s economic effect into account.
