Why Valve is likely to forgo CSGO sequel to focus on Source 2 engine update

Jared Wynne Published 12/06/2020

Between varied evidence found in the game’s updates and the logic behind the potential move, it is becoming increasingly clear that Valve will be bringing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive to its Source 2 engine.

The move only makes sense for Valve. Creating an entirely new entry in the venerable Counter-Strike franchise would break up the game’s current base of players. This was a problem previously seen when player counts were split between Counter-Strike 1.6 and Counter-Strike: Source. Players invest so heavily in a game they love that it’s hard to move on to the next.

Not only that, but games like CSGO allow players to accrue skins and other in-game goods that can’t be transferred elsewhere. Abandoning the game would also mean abandoning collected goods. So why not just upgrade the current game, rather than creating a new one?

There are also many different companies or websites that offer all kinds of gambling opportunities linked specifically to CSGO. This is part of the reason why players will not easily let go any time soon. Esports has grown hand-in-hand with online gambling. Some operators are even offering real money, such as this Canada casino bonus, to participating players.

With all of this being considered, it is generally believed that Valve will be porting its existing CSGO title over to new graphical engine Source 2. This would include existing skins and would continue to function as before with trading, data, and gambling platforms.

This sort of change could be hugely beneficial to CSGO. Freshening up the game with a visual overhaul could even help to address feelings of burnout that some long-time players may be experiencing.

Even pro players are not exempt to these feelings. Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer recently announced a formal break from the game, and multiple Astralis players have stepped back from active play. All of this in spite of these players being at the very top of the game’s pro scene.

There’s also new competition from Riot Games’ first-person shooter Valorant. Some semi-pro players and teams have already transitioned to the new title in hopes of pursuing a professional career beyond CSGO. Valve may be launching CSGO in Source 2 in part as a response to this renewed competition.

CSGO moving to Source 2 would absolutely bring a variety of technical improvements with it. Overall performance would be better, and the new engine might also play better with people’s computers. Even gameplay could be improved in the new engine.

Counter-Strike is a proven formula, and Valve has significantly committed itself to the success of CSGO. So don’t be surprised when, rather than a sequel, Valve drops a historically big update for its existing FPS.

Jared Wynne

About Jared Wynne

Jared Wynne is the Editor-in-Chief at WIN.gg, overseeing its content. He has been working in digital media for over two decades, most often in and around the gaming industry. His all-time favorite games include Baldur’s Gate, Doom, and Counter-Strike, but he’ll play just about anything that seems interesting. His previous credits include The Daily Dot, The Esports Observer, GameLand, and more.

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