Counter-Strike 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Counter-Strike 2 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
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.
NAVI's owner claims owning an esports team is actually a "very profitable business"
Malsym Krippa, owner of the esports organization Natus Vincere (NAVI), claims that owning an esports team is a highly profitable business. He stated that NAVI, which competes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, League of Legends, and Dota 2, generates millions in net profit annually. Krippa took over NAVI in 2018 when it was losing $1.5 million per year but turned it around within his first year of ownership.
Valve moves to dismiss gambling lawsuit against Counter-Strike 2 cases
Valve has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the New York Attorney General, which accuses the company of promoting unregulated gambling through Counter-Strike 2's in-game item cases, particularly to minors. Valve argues that punishing them would set a dangerous precedent, comparing the cases to collectibles like baseball cards and questioning the AG's interpretation of gambling laws. The lawsuit seeks damages and a ban on selling cases in New York.
Morning Esports and Competitions
The Counter-Strike 2 Asia Championship in 2026 will be powered by NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5080 graphics cards and NVIDIA Reflex technology. This event highlights the intersection of high-level esports competition and cutting-edge PC hardware.
The world's first 1000Hz Full HD gaming monitor is finally here
LG has unveiled the LG UltraGear 25G590B, the world's first gaming monitor capable of a 1,000Hz refresh rate at Full HD resolution. This display is designed for competitive esports titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant, offering faster visual confirmation and quicker reaction times. The monitor is expected to launch in select markets in the second half of 2026, with pricing yet to be announced.
I prefer this plug-n-play Zowie mouse even to ones that are objectively better
The BenQ Zowie EC2-DW gaming mouse is highly recommended for palm grippers who primarily play tactical shooters like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant, offering a comfortable ergonomic shape and plug-and-play functionality. While it boasts excellent build quality and convenient wireless charging, its $150 price point and 60g weight may not appeal to those who prefer ultralight mice or play tracking-heavy games.
LG reveals the world's first native 1,000 Hz 1080p panel but you're gonna need a beast of a rig to make good…
LG has unveiled the world's first 1,000 Hz FHD (1080p) gaming monitor, the UltraGear 25G590B, featuring a 24.5-inch IPS panel. This new monitor aims to provide ultra-fast visual response and motion clarity for competitive gaming. The article also discusses the high-end PC hardware required to achieve such frame rates and compares it to existing high-refresh-rate monitors.
Voice Chat Safety: The Practical Guide for Online Gamers (2026) | TAG
This guide provides practical advice for online gamers on managing voice chat safety in 2026, addressing the uneven implementation of AI monitoring across various games. It details different voice chat configurations like 'Voice Off,' 'Party-Only Voice,' 'Push-to-Talk,' and 'Open Mic, Active Muting,' and offers specific settings for popular titles such as Call of Duty, Valorant, and Fortnite. The article also discusses the privacy implications of voice chat and recommends using platforms like Discord as a safer alternative for communication.
MMO Business Roundup: XBOX’s rebrand, California games law, and Far Far West’s 1M sold
This MMO business roundup covers several industry developments, including California's game ownership law advancing, Steam's community market upgrades, and an AI video contest proposed by Party Animals developers. It also notes the Xbox brand's rebranding to XBOX and the early access extraction FPS Far Far West selling over one million copies on Steam.
New "low_latency_layer" brings Reflex and Anti-Lag 2 to AMD and Intel GPUs on Linux
A new open-source Vulkan layer called "low_latency_layer" has been released for Linux, bringing NVIDIA Reflex and AMD Anti-Lag 2 technologies to AMD and Intel GPUs. This layer aims to reduce click-to-photon latency by implementing both companies' latency reduction technologies, potentially offering performance comparable to or better than native Windows implementations. Initial benchmarks suggest it performs well in games like The Finals and Counter-Strike 2.
How to Sell CS2 Skins for Real Money
This guide explains how to sell Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) skins for real money, distinguishing it from the Steam Market which only provides Steam Wallet balance. It advises comparing third-party marketplaces based on fees, liquidity, and payout methods, and highlights the importance of understanding item value influenced by float, stickers, and patterns. The article also covers common selling models, risks of scams, and strategies for maximizing value versus speed.
CS2 Safety Score: Toxicity, the Overwatch System, and Whether It Actually Works (2026) | TAG
Counter-Strike 2 receives a low safety score due to significant toxicity and a lack of transparency in its moderation systems, including the Overwatch system. Despite its technical brilliance and competitive depth, issues like identity-based harassment and community complaints about inadequate moderation persist. Valve's opaque approach to Trust Factor, VACnet, and the restricted Overwatch system contributes to player concerns, leading many to opt for third-party platforms like FACEIT for a better competitive experience.
Valve's massive update to the Steam marketplace must be working, because a gun I had listed on there for years just…
Valve has released a significant update to the Steam Community Market, overhauling its appearance and functionality. The changes include larger item listings with more detailed information and automatically generated images for Counter-Strike 2 items, aiming to improve the browsing and purchasing experience for virtual goods.
The Best Online Multiplayer Games to Play With Friends in 2026 | Invision Game Community
This guide highlights the best online multiplayer games available in 2026, catering to various playstyles including cooperative, competitive, and party experiences. Titles like Deep Rock Galactic, Helldivers 2, Rocket League, Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, Jackbox Party Pack, Among Us, Minecraft, and Elden Ring are recommended for groups seeking engaging gameplay and social interaction.
You could win a $500 Amazon gift card by playing Subnautica 2 this month, so remember to send us your best video clips!
PC Gamer is running a contest where players can win a $500 Amazon gift card by submitting video clips from Subnautica 2 or any other PC game. The best clips submitted each month will be featured on PC Gamer's social channels, with one winner receiving the prize. This initiative aims to showcase player-generated content and encourage community engagement.
"Valve can't stop winning": New Steam update revamps Community Market with "bigger, better listings" and more, much to Counter-Strike 2 fans' delight
Valve has released a significant update for the Steam Community Market, introducing "bigger, better listings" with more images and detailed item information. This revamp aims to improve filtering and visibility for game-specific items, particularly benefiting Counter-Strike 2 players by allowing more informed purchasing decisions directly within the market, reducing the need for third-party tools.
Steam trading just got a huge upgrade, thanks to Valve's new Community Market
Valve has significantly upgraded the Steam Community Market with a new interface and enhanced features, aiming to improve the buying and selling experience for digital items. The overhaul, initially based on Counter-Strike 2, introduces larger, more detailed listings, grouped item types, individual item images, and improved filtering options. These changes are now live for all PC users in beta.