Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO or CSGO) is a first-person shooter video game that is a part of the Counter-Strike series. It was developed by Hidden Path Entertainment and Valve Corporation. CSGO’s history has seen tremendous success and has helped define competitive FPS games for a generation. In this article, we will explore when and how CSGO got started and how it has grown and helped shaped the entire FPS genre that we know today.
CSGO was First Released in 2012
CSGO came out on August 21, 2012 on Windows, MacOS, PS3, and Xbox 360. The game did not initially release on Linux (more on that later). CSGO was developed by Hidden Path Entertainment; Valve Corporation handled the publishing. The game is an updated version of Counter-Strike: Source and features new maps, graphics, weapons, and game modes.
At the time of release, the game was well-received by critics and is still considered one of the best competitive FPS games ever made.
When Did CSGO Come Out on Linux
CSGO was not initially released on Linux. Yet, as a hardcore game with hardcore PC fans, it needed a Linux release. Therefore, on September 23, 2014, Valve released a Linux version to the delight of its player base.
Linux has always had relatively poor video game release coverage, so the fact the CSGO did come out at all on Linux was a huge win for the Counter-Strike and Linux communities.
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Quick Overview of CSGO and Its History
Like its predecessor, the game pits two teams against each other: the Terrorists and the Counter-Terrorists. Both teams are tasked with eliminating the other while also completing separate objectives. The game has multiple game modes, with the most popular being Bomb Defusal.
In this game mode, the “Terrorist” team must plant explosives at one of two predefined sites while the Counter-Terrorist team must work to stop them. If you have played this game mode but struggle with it, you may want to check out our guide on how to defuse the bomb.
Rounds can be incredibly fast-paced and often take under 2 minutes to play. Between rounds, players can use their in-game money to purchase weapons, armor, and other equipment. This system adds an interesting layer of strategy as players must carefully decide how to spend their money each round.
This style of gameplay was originally introduced with Counter-Strike Source and has since been copied by many other games, including the wildly popular Valorant game from Riot Games. The games are so similar, many new players wonder which they should pick, so we created a quick guide to help you pick between Valorant vs CSGO.
CSGO has Been Continuously Updated and Improved
Since its release, it has been continuously updated with new features, maps, game modes, and weapons. The developers also continue to provide new and even more interesting weapon skins. So much so that we’ve amassed a survey of all of the very best weapon skins in CSGO.
This has helped keep the game feeling fresh and exciting even after 8 years. It’s definitely not just a game the developers completed and moved on from. CSGO is proud of its long history. In addition, Valve has worked to make sure that the game is balanced and fair.
Operation Bloodhound Added Tower Defense Mechanics
One of the most notable updates was the Operation Bloodhound update which added a new co-op game mode called Guardian. In this mode, players must work together to take down waves of enemy AI bots. This game mode is akin to tower defense game modes seen in other games. The update also added new maps and weapons.
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When Danger Zone Came out for CSGO, It Added Battle Royal Mechanics
Another popular update in the history of CSGO was the introduction of Danger Zone. This is a Battle Royale mode that pits up to 18 players against each other in a last-man-standing match. This game mode can be played solo or in small teams.
When the Danger Zone CSGO update came out, it was released alongside a special set of large, open maps that can only be played in this battle royal game mode.
On load, players have almost no equipment and no weapons. They must gather equipment and weapons to grow stronger and ensure they are the last player (or team) standing.
CSGO is Now One of the Most Popular Online Games in the World
Since its release, CSGO has become one of the most popular online games in the world. The game has a large and dedicated player base, with millions of players logging in each day to play. In fact, according to Statista, the game still sees more than 1,000,000 active players each day in 2022.
The game is also popular in the professional eSports scene, with multiple tournaments being held each year with large cash prizes. Yet, you don’t need to be a pro player to compete. There are also numerous community and semi-pro tournaments as well.
The game has created its own lexicon and set of terms, with popular maps like Dust 2 having their own callouts for every little map location.
The Future Looks Bright for CSGO
It’s no secret that Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is one of the most popular games on the planet. With a huge professional scene and a passionate fanbase, the game shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, things are only getting better for CSGO, with more and more people joining the community every day.
One of the biggest reasons for the game’s success is its accessibility. Unlike many other competitive games, CSGO is relatively easy to pick up and play. This has allowed it to attract players of all skill levels, from casual gamers to aspiring professionals. Additionally, the game is well-supported by its developer, Valve, who regularly releases updates and new content.
With so much going for it, there’s no doubt that the future looks bright for CSGO. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran who hasn’t played in a while or a complete newcomer, there’s a place for you in this ever-growing community. So jump in and see what all the fuss is about! There’s a reason CSGO has so much rich history and why players keep coming back to play it!
If you’re a big fan of CSGO and are looking to expand your skins collection, we’ve created a guide on the best cases to open in CSGO to help ensure you improve your odds of getting your favorite weapons skins.
