The next-generation of Counter-Strike released under the name Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

In August of 2012 the next-generation of Counter-Strike released under the name Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. For veterans of the franchise, it offered a graceful p2000 skins presentation that would make it an attractive alternative for those feeling fatigue from the aging visuals of Counter-Strike 1 . 6 and Counter-Strike: Source. To new players, it presented something that lacked the welcoming learning curve, well-tuned modes of play, and addictive leveling systems that have become standard across most modern shooters.

CS: GO wouldn't experience a very successful launch. Priced at $14. 99 it sold more than a million units within one week, but wasn't able to retain a high activity average among its playerbase. Within a couple months most players would transition to Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Halo 4, or even return to CS 1 . 6 or Battlefield 3 for their shooter fix, resulting in a sub-50, 000 concurrent player count for what Valve hoped would be its premier FPS for the next decade.

Most players, and reviewers, placed blame of its low popularity on its inability to evolve the franchise. Veterans noted that it was a step back in a few ways, namely how the community server window was hidden from view in favor of matchmaking as well as its poor competitive scene support. It looked as if history was going to repeat itself, and CS 1 . 6 would remain the most popular title in the franchise despite its age.

Almost exactly a year later, the Arms Deal update would be introduced. CS: GO would never be the same.