Global Offensive features a mix of old and new factions, with a total of fourteen unique factions. Factions are no longer selectable at the start of a game. Instead, each map has its own specific T and CT factions. It is the second game in the series to do so, following Counter-Strike (Xbox). Unlike previous … Read more
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive was announced on August 12, 2011, 12 years (exactly 146 months or 4,444 days) after Counter-Strike was originally released as a modification (June 12, 1999). Counter-Strike: Global Offensive did not arrive on the PAL version of PlayStation Store on the official release date, causing fans of the region to react with anger. … Read more
The console versions of the game run at native 720p resolution at a consistent 30fps. PC and Xbox 360 versions are rendered in Direct3D, while the macOS and Playstation 3 version is rendered in OpenGL. The PlayStation 3 version supports the DualShock 3 controller, PlayStation Move or a USB keyboard/mouse, while the Xbox 360 version … Read more
Achievements, also known as Awards in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, are retained from Counter-Strike: Source. Achievements are given for completing milestones or notable actions, such as getting 1,000 kills with a particular weapon, or getting four headshots in one round. There are five categories of achievements, progression in the completion of achievements in each category will … Read more
There are a total of 34 weapons in Global Offensive, 19 of which are exclusive to the game. Among those 19, 10 are replacements of old weapons, retaining their role but are modelled after new guns, and the other 9 are unique weapons with new roles and properties. Returning weapons also have many changes made … Read more
Since the initial release of Global Offensive, Valve has continued to update the game by introducing new maps and weapons, game modes, and weapon balancing changes. One of the first major additions to the game post-release was the “Arms Deal” update. Released on August 13, 2013, the update added cosmetic weapon finishes, or skins, to … Read more
In March 2023, Valve announced an update to Global Offensive, titled Counter-Strike 2. Using Valve’s Source 2 game engine, Counter-Strike 2 is expected to feature major technical improvements over Global Offensive. The game is tentatively slated for a mid-2023 release, with a limited technical test beginning on March 22, 2023 for select players.
As the game and the scene grew in popularity, companies, including WME/IMG and Turner Broadcasting, began to televise Global Offensive professional games, with the first being ELEAGUE Major 2017, held in the Fox Theatreand broadcast on US cable television network TBS in 2016. On August 22, 2018, Turner announced their further programming of Global Offensive … Read more
A major update bringing the game to the Source 2 engine, titled Counter-Strike 2, was announced on March 22, 2023 and is slated to release in summer 2023, with limited test access being made to select players.
The game has an active esports scene, continuing the history of international competitive play from previous games in the series. Teams compete in professional leagues and tournaments, with the game often cited as being among the best in esports.