CS2 announces X-Ray Scanners for cases, here's what it means
Valve has come up with a new way to make CS2 cases more palatable in Germany, where loot boxes are under strict scrutiny amid the country’s concerns around gambling. Here’s how CS2 X-Ray Scanners work, and what it means for players.
It’s not exactly a secret that CS2 cases rely heavily on chance, making them awfully similar to a scratch ticket or even a loot box. Paying for a red-tier skin without knowing what’s inside a case has made these items quite controversial in recent years. With more states taking a stance against elements of gambling in video games, Valve’s name has been mentioned in lawsuits more than once in recent years.
This time, the developer is erring on the side of caution by introducing X-Ray Scanners for CS2 cases in Germany before a potential ban on loot boxes is officialized. Previously, the feature was available only in France, but with the Digital Fairness Act being proposed, Germany will be getting its own X-Ray Scanner for CS2 cases.
How does CS2 X-Ray Scanner work?
X-Ray Scanner forces players to first view the item inside a case, and then purchase a key to remove the element of surprise.
X-Ray Scanner works more like a loophole that adds another paywall for buyers, rather than a feature that meaningfully distances CS2 cases from loot boxes. Starting from March 16, players will first have to purchase Genuine P250 | X-ray, priced at $2.5, in order to get the X-Ray Scanner.
While this would be a one-time purchase, it’s worth noting that this P250 will only force players to purchase even the cheapest skins Valve has ever released. The X-Ray Scanner will instantly reveal whatever item a player would unlock in a case “for free.” However, players must purchase that item in order to scan more CS2 cases.
It’s also worth noting that the price of the key remains the same despite the scanner. That means, once you’ve looked at the content of a case, you must buy a key to make your purchase in order to continue scanning cases.
While the feature does remove the guessing-game, it also forces purchases that players may not make if the restrictions that come with X-Ray Scanner weren’t involved. It’s worth noting that a scanned case can’t be resold on the Steam Marketplace, and that rule applies to all cases, including sticker capsules, souvenir packages etc.
With this change, Valve may be able to skirt whatever comes out of the Digital Fairness Act, as it has in France since the feature’s release in 2019. However, players may find CS2 cases less appealing compared to simply buying skins from Steam Marketplace with new restrictions.
For CS2 gambling fans and those who have the funds, X-Ray Scanners could actually be useful. But, they’re not the most economical options for players who relied on cases to win rare CS2 skins.
Featured image credit: Valve
Fariha Bhatti is a long-time gaming writer who loves competitive FPS games and slots with particularly fun themes. She got her start playing classic games developed by SNK, from legendary fighting game series The King of Fighters to challenging platform franchise Metal Slug. She now spends most of her time playing Valorant and Counter-Strike 2 while working her way through new slot releases to find her next favorite. Fariha has been published at PCGamesN, TalkEsport and ONE Esports.
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