Counter-Strike
News, coverage and analysis tracking Counter-Strike across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Turtle Beach's new keyboard has given me something I didn't know I wanted
The Turtle Beach Command Series KB7 TKL keyboard offers a premium build with Hall effect switches and a unique 4.3-inch touchscreen for customization and shortcuts, appealing to both competitive gamers and content creators. While the screen's necessity is debatable, its functionality for macros, application shortcuts, and website/folder access proves surprisingly useful over time, despite a high price point.
GameStop CEO Came Up With Plan To Buy eBay On The Toilet, Wants It To Become Re-Seller Of Digital Gaming Items
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen has proposed acquiring eBay for $56 billion, outlining a vision that includes creating a marketplace for digital gaming items like skins and weapons. While eBay has rejected the offer, Cohen believes this market has massive potential utility beyond physical collectibles. He also plans to cut costs and expand live commerce if the takeover is successful.
Epic Games boss calls Steam AI disclosures "really irresponsible of Valve" as they make it "much, much, much harder for a game developer to have a chance of success"
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has criticized Valve's decision to require developers to disclose the use of generative AI in games on Steam, calling it "irresponsible." Sweeney argues that these disclosures create a negative stigma, making it significantly harder for smaller developers to succeed. He believes AI tools are crucial for developers to remain competitive and that such tags discourage innovation.
Epic Games’ Tim Sweeney is trying to reinvent the metaverse (again) without calling it that
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney is discussing new technologies for massively multiplayer online games, aiming to support millions of concurrent players without complex programming. He also addresses industry challenges like high AAA development costs and player retention in live service games, proposing solutions involving cross-game social links and asset ownership, potentially utilizing blockchain technology.
400 Million Fans: Study Finds How Esports Influences Gen Z and Their Purchasing Behaviours
A new study by ESL FACEIT Group, Hero Esports, and Niko Partners reveals that esports significantly influences Gen Z purchasing behaviors, with 74% reporting that advertising and brand participation in gaming spaces affect their buying decisions. The research, based on 8,000 Gen Z respondents aged 13-30, highlights that 85% notice branding in esports, and 66% have purchased products due to collaborations with esports teams, games, or players. The study also details Gen Z's diverse interests beyond gaming, including music, streaming, and sports, indicating broad opportunities for authentic brand engagement.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney says new multiplayer games flop because everyone's "already formed solid human networks in Fortnite, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, and Apex Legends"
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney believes new multiplayer games are failing because players are too entrenched in established titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, and Apex Legends. He states that it's nearly impossible to migrate entire friend groups to new games, making only massive hits capable of community migration successful. Sweeney also cited other factors like exorbitant budgets and long development cycles contributing to game failures.
Method of Entry
Method of Entry is an upcoming 5v5 tactical shooter aiming to revitalize the genre with a focus on competitive play and authentic mechanics, avoiding complex hero abilities. The game draws inspiration from titles like SWAT, Rainbow 6, Counter-Strike, Escape from Tarkov, and Rainbow Six Siege. A 5-man developer team is promoting the game, which emphasizes realistic Special Forces scenarios and genuine skill.
Engagement Ring
The co-creator of Counter-Strike expressed a lack of concern regarding low player counts, stating that individuals who are not playing the game are unlikely to ever do so. This perspective suggests a focus on retaining existing players rather than attracting new ones.
Counter-Strike's co-creator isn't worried about low player counts: "Those people are never going to play your game."
Minh 'Gooseman' Le, co-creator of Counter-Strike, is not concerned about the low player counts for his game, Alpha Response, which is currently in Steam Early Access. He believes that the critics are not the target audience and that the developers are focusing on polishing the game before extensive marketing. Le hopes Alpha Response can achieve similar success to Payday upon its full release later this year.
Introducing the Finalmouse Starlight X
Finalmouse has unveiled the Starlight X (SLX), a new flagship wireless gaming mouse developed over four years. It features a new shape designed for tactical FPS games, an adjustable Dual-State analog click system with rapid trigger support, and weighs only 38 grams due to its aerospace-developed carbon fiber construction. The mouse also includes advanced wireless technologies and a new custom sensor.
This new gaming mouse looks to combine tech similar to Logitech's analogue clicks and Razer's frame sync but…
Finalmouse has announced the Starlight X, a lightweight gaming mouse designed for tactical FPS players. It features a new TMR-DS analog click system that allows for precise actuation control and rapid trigger functionality, alongside a traditional mechanical click. The mouse also incorporates 'PerfectSync' technology for sensor reading synchronization and will be available for order on May 30th for $179.
"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.
Evening Legal Briefs
Valve has requested a New York court to dismiss a lawsuit concerning Counter-Strike's loot boxes, arguing that equating them to gambling is illogical. The company stated that players enjoy the element of surprise in the game's mechanics.
Top 10 hot summer gaming tech for 2026 - headsets, controllers, and more
This article highlights top gaming technology accessories for summer 2026, focusing on peripherals like headsets, controllers, mice, keyboards, monitors, and chairs. It notes that while core components remain expensive, these accessories offer desirable upgrades without significant price hikes due to memory shortages. Featured items include collaborations with brands like Pokémon and Blackpink, alongside high-performance tech from SteelSeries, Logitech, Razer, and Turtle Beach.
Canadian Gamers Are Bringing Sports Style Prediction Habits Into Competitive Gaming
Canadian gamers are increasingly applying sports betting prediction habits to esports, driven by the growth of competitive gaming and accessible mobile play. Meanwhile, the design of mobile apps, including those for casinos, now heavily incorporates game-like pacing and reward systems to maintain user engagement. Separately, Nebraska is suing Roblox, alleging systemic failures to protect children from predators and deceptive marketing practices, a lawsuit echoed by other states and highlighting concerns about child safety in online gaming platforms.
Competitive gaming is borrowing more from traditional sports betting culture
Competitive gaming broadcasts are increasingly adopting elements from traditional sports, including live predictions, in-depth statistical analysis, and discussions mirroring sports betting culture. This shift is driven by expanded audiences and a desire for greater fan engagement, making esports viewing habits more similar to those of mainstream sports.
Valve's next Steam UI target is the Community Market, with more details and, yes, a wider layout
Valve is updating the Steam Community Market's user interface with a wider layout and more detailed listings. The changes aim to better accommodate the growing number of games and items available, including enhanced image displays for items like Counter-Strike skins and improved graph data for economic analysis.
Valve made more than 27 million unique images for Counter-Strike listings as part of its new 'major update' to…
Valve has launched a beta for a major update to the Steam Community Market, designed to improve the buying and selling experience for users. The update includes larger listing images, improved graphs, dynamic filters, and a new wider layout. Counter-Strike items are being used to test extensive item integration, with over 27 million unique images generated for existing listings to showcase item features.
“Open Time PC 1 Te!” Remembering the After-School Computer Shop Days
This article reflects on the nostalgic experience of playing games at internet cafes in the early 2010s, contrasting it with the current accessibility of mobile and online gaming. It highlights the social aspects, the routine of waiting for a PC, and the unique atmosphere of these gaming hubs as formative experiences for many gamers.
New Overwatch patch fixes one of its most annoying bugs, and introduces a CoD-style deathmatch mode
A new Overwatch patch has resolved an annoying bug that prevented players from jumping when the scoreboard was open. The update also introduces a new limited-time mode called 4v4 Evolved, a team deathmatch variant inspired by Call of Duty. Additionally, Ramattra's ultimate ability volume has been reduced.
