CS:GO – E3 2012

I could not be more excited and honored that my first video interview for GameChurch was with Chet from Valve on Counter Strike: Global Offensive. Counter Strike is not just something I love, it is something that flows through my blood. To have the opportunity to ask Chet the questions that I have been wondering for years was both surreal and fun.

To be completely honest with you, I had absolutely no clue what he was saying or how he was answering my questions during the interview because I was so focused on it being my first one, saying the right words, looking decent, and not sounding like a complete moron.  I have listened to the interview a few times and wanted to point out the things that I thought were interesting in his answers, and talk about the future of the CS community.

[media url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncrNN3Z-WY4&feature=share" width="600" height="400" jwplayer="controlbar=bottom"]

Chet claimed that CS:GO is working to bring the two communities together is to gather information they are receiving from the long beta period and change things accordingly.  I think this was a good answer, however the only problem is that a lot of good players, including people that played professionally for a decade (cough cough) did not receive a beta key and therefore are not able to make comments and suggestions.  I know people that received a beta key that have only played CS a few times, which makes me teary eyed, but at least they are trying and listening to the players.  I also agree with Chet in saying that players will need to come on board and accept the game for what it is.   A lot of people in the community are looking for it to be the same as once loved versions of the past, but with it being in the new source engine, it will be different and there will be things to adjust to.  I have played since 1.6 but also got to play a bit of 1.5, and honestly I LOVED 1.5.  In my opinion, if you are a beast, you will be beast in Global Offensive too once you have adapted. The right perspective going into it is crucial.

One big concern within the community is about new people coming on board.  At first you may think that this is a positive thing, but this also means lots of new people that are unfamiliar with the game, more opportunities for younger players, and a major shift in the community, especially for us CS veterans.  Like new game play changes, I think this is something to embrace and adjust to.  After all, if there are no new CSers, then according to the circle of life, the community is going to die off as all of us oldies “move on”.

Chet’s most interesting comment about 1.6 was, “people got simply used to playing with bugs and say that is how things should be, but those are just bugs”.  The only “bugs” I am aware of is crouch jumping and certain boost spots.  I feel these things are not what makes 1.6 the wonderful game that it is.  Most CS players are longing for the registry of kills, head shot boxes, and the weaponry (with things such as recoil and the beloved AWP scope) from 1.6.  Now shooting through solid walls is another thing that people love, but in my opinion made sense for Valve to change in Source and keep throughout GO.  It allows for a more realistic game and a lot more fair play.  It allows for players to really know when people have hacks on, where in 1.6 it was much harder to detect.

I am looking forward to CS:GO rocking the community and seeing if it is something that will bring the two CS communities together, or if it will end up being another division, or something that fizzles like Counter Strike: Condition Zero or Promod.  With the new addition of the skill based matchmaking, this will really have new players that are just getting on board with CS thrilled.  On the other hand, for us vets, I worry about the competitive aspect and the opportunity for future LAN tournaments across the world.  Part of what made me the player I am today, was those first couple of years of getting rolled by people much better than me, watching them, taking notes and asking questions.  This is what makes a good player and someone that is able to take CS to a whole other level.  I am interested to see how it will affect not only tournaments but also online leagues.  I think it will be both a positive and negative addition, but overall will grow the community and help keep CS alive.  I am pleased, for the most part, with the steps Valve has taken but so much of it just depends on how the gamers will perceive it and where the long term vets decide to go with it.  Within the last six months CS Source has really been dying.  I remember being able to go into mIRC any time of day and hop in a scrim.  Now, I am lucky if I can find a scrim during the peak hours of the day.  People are not playing much anymore and I am hoping that CS:GO can be a fresh start, and a launching point to propel Counter Strike into the future.  I am hoping that I will get to continue my love for Counter Strike for another decade.

Release date is August 21st, be ready people.  Wait a minute…$14.99?  Did I hear that correctly?  If you have never played CS, or maybe never liked it, for under 15 dollars it is totally worth a shot.  Make sure to check it out and play some rounds with me <3.