Counter-Strike 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Counter-Strike 2 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Valve antitrust lawsuit reportedly reveals lengths Steam owner is willing to go to prevent cheaper prices elsewhere
A new antitrust lawsuit accuses Valve of abusing its dominant position in the PC marketplace by forcing developers to maintain price parity across digital storefronts. Emails revealed in the case suggest Valve threatened to delist games like Rainbow Six Siege and removed pre-orders for Middle-earth: Shadow of War when publishers offered cheaper deals elsewhere. Valve denies having a formal price parity policy.
Gabe Newell hits back at claims that Steam has a monopoly on the PC marketplace
Valve President Gabe Newell has testified that Steam does not hold a monopoly in the PC gaming market, despite facing antitrust lawsuits from Wolfire Games and others. Newell claims consumers have numerous purchasing options and denies Valve enforces price parity obligations on other platforms. While Steam holds a dominant market share, Valve attributes its success to continuous innovation rather than a monopoly.
Valve's Gabe Newell argued gamers "have enormous choice" when grilled over Steam's alleged monopoly…
Valve boss Gabe Newell testified in a lawsuit alleging the company holds an illegal monopoly on PC gaming, denying claims that Valve dictates pricing on other platforms or punishes developers for offering discounts elsewhere. Newell argued that gamers have "enormous choice" in where they purchase games, citing Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, and direct developer sales as examples.
This could be the competitive panel of my dreams: the 'world's first esport OLED monitor' looks to be a…
Asus ROG has teased a new 540 Hz OLED monitor aimed at esports professionals, likely featuring a 24-25 inch 1080p display. This new monitor aims to combine the benefits of OLED technology, such as response time and motion clarity, with the preferred form factor for competitive gaming.
Steam Week in Review: 4 Backrooms games released on Steam last week, joining a list of over 500 cash-ins, parodies and…
The release of a Backrooms movie has coincided with a modest influx of four new Backrooms-themed games on Steam, adding to a library of over 500 titles. While many are low-effort cash grabs, some like Escape the Backrooms, Inside the Backrooms, The Complex: Expedition, and Within the Backrooms offer more engaging experiences. Steam's top sellers list includes titles like Forza Horizon 6 and Counter-Strike 2, with Paralives showing strong interest in the life simulation genre.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream was April 2026's best-selling game in the US
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream was the best-selling game in the US in April 2026, generating over $41 million. Pragmata and Crimson Desert followed in second and third place, respectively. The report also noted growth in console and subscription spending, with Fortnite leading in monthly players.
MSI's next-gen monitor can switch between three resolutions and refresh rates
MSI has developed a new gaming monitor capable of switching between three different resolutions and refresh rates. This allows users to seamlessly transition from high-fidelity experiences like Crimson Desert at 4K to competitive titles like Counter-Strike 2 at an ultra-high 680Hz refresh rate.
Counter-Strike is good for personal development, but don't let me tell you, listen to this bona fide Buddhist monk…
A Buddhist monk who has played Counter-Strike since its inception discusses the game's positive impact on personal development, emphasizing communication, cooperation, and empathy. He argues against the notion that video games are inherently harmful, using philosophical reasoning and his own experiences to highlight the benefits of engaging with the game.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is 2026's top new release by revenue to date | Newzoo charts
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream topped Newzoo's revenue charts for new releases in 2026 and overall console revenue in April, attributed to Nintendo's install base. New titles like Pragmata and Windrose also saw strong debuts, though displacing established live-service games remains challenging.
"I'm very rusty:" Counter-Strike creator 'Gooseman' doesn't play CS2 much these days, but he did check out Cache
Minh 'Gooseman' Le, co-creator of Counter-Strike, admits he doesn't play Counter-Strike 2 regularly, having not been a consistent player since around 2007-2008. He recently checked out the updated Cache map and still feels he's skilled despite the long break. Le's current focus is on his arcade-inspired FPS, Alpha Response, which is nearing its 1.0 launch.
Steam Week in Review: Steam is flooded with liminal spaces games and I approve, but I think I've found the best to…
The article discusses the surge of 'liminal spaces' games on Steam, highlighting Dreamcore as a notable example. It explores the appeal of these games, which evoke feelings of nostalgia and unease, and touches upon Steam's top-selling titles and notable user reviews.
Popular Online Video Games Right Now (2026)
This article discusses the factors contributing to the enduring popularity of online video games in 2026, focusing on competitive balance, social interaction, and continuous updates. It categorizes popular genres like tactical shooters, battle royales, MMORPGs, MOBAs, and co-op sandbox games, offering advice on choosing a game that fits individual preferences and schedules. The piece also touches upon the potential downsides of live-service models, such as pressure from daily rewards and battle passes, and emphasizes the importance of responsible play and time management.
The SIVGA M260 wired earbuds are a Y2K-fueled trip down memory lane, and my new budget pick
The SIVGA M260 wired earbuds offer a stylish, Y2K-inspired design and impressive sound quality for their budget price. While they excel in music playback with strong bass and clarity, their tendency to overpower high-frequency sounds makes them better suited for shorter gaming sessions rather than extended play.
Valve attempt to get the New York lootbox lawsuit dismissed as "People enjoy surprises"
Valve is attempting to have a New York lawsuit regarding lootboxes dismissed, arguing that "people enjoy surprises" and comparing them to collectibles like baseball cards. The company's legal team filed a memo asserting that New York's interpretation of gambling laws is overly broad and could criminalize common commercial transactions. This case, filed by the New York Attorney General, could have significant legal implications if it proceeds.
Anticheat check - which competitive games actually work on Linux?
This guide details which competitive games with anti-cheat systems are compatible with Linux and SteamOS. It explains how anti-cheat software interacts with different operating systems and compatibility layers like Valve's Proton. While some major titles like Fortnite and Valorant are blocked, games such as Counter-Strike 2 and Marvel Rivals function correctly.
New York's case that Steam lootboxes are "gambling" is a free speech violation that "will have an impermissible chilling effect on protected videogame design", argue Valve
Valve is arguing in a New York court that lootboxes in games like Counter-Strike 2 should not be classified as gambling, asserting that randomized rewards are not real-value items and that regulating them would violate free speech protections for game design. The company contends that the attorney general lacks the authority to enforce such regulations and that the lawsuit could stifle creativity in game development, particularly for aesthetic items like skins.
Valve asks New York court to dismiss Counter-Strike lawsuit, says 'people enjoy surprises' and equating loot…
Valve has asked a New York court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James, which claims that Counter-Strike 2's item boxes constitute illegal gambling. Valve argues that players always receive what they pay for and that loot boxes are akin to collectibles like baseball cards, which are not considered gambling.
'People Enjoy Surprises' — Valve Is Trying to Dismiss New York's Counter-Strike Loot Box Lawsuit
Valve is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the New York Attorney General, which alleges that loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2 constitute illegal gambling and pose a risk of child addiction. The company argues against the claims made in the legal action.
Main Types of Online Games and Why They Are Popular | Invision Game Community
This article analyzes the popularity of various online game types, including MMORPGs, mobile games, online casino games, competitive titles, and browser-based games. It highlights factors like social commitment, convenience, accessibility, and competitive environments that contribute to their widespread appeal and sustained player engagement.
With a straight face, Valve insists Counter-Strike 2 cases are fine and "people enjoy surprises" in move to…
Valve has responded to a lawsuit filed by the state of New York regarding Counter-Strike 2's loot box system, arguing that it is not gambling and that players enjoy the element of surprise. The company claims that banning such randomized item purchases could impact numerous commonplace commercial transactions, drawing parallels to collectibles like baseball cards. Valve asserts that CS2 skins are primarily for entertainment and have subjective aesthetic value.
