Why Is CS:GO One of the Most Popular First Person Shooters in the World?

The fourth iteration in the Counter-Strike series, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) was first launched back in August 2012. Almost a decade on, it’s still the most popular in the franchise and indeed one of the most widely played of any Steam game in the world. In fact, statistics show that more than 1.3 million people were playing the game simultaneously in April 2021, which remains the peak number for CS:GO almost nine years after its release date.

Given that technology moves at such a rapid pace these days and new video game titles are coming out all the time, it’s highly surprising that CS:GO has retained its place among the upper echelons of the gaming world. So how, exactly have the game’s manufacturers achieved such an impressive feat? Here’s a deep delve into the reasons behind its success.

Keeping things simple

Many of CS:GO’s competitors pour immense amounts of time and resources into building entire worlds within their virtual universe. This can make for a fascinating environment to explore, but one which perhaps overwhelms at the outset. By contrast, the makers of CS:GO have decided to keep things simple by putting the gamer straight into easily understandable situations, such as hostage shootouts and the suchlike. Us = good, them = bad, gun = shoot! This simplicity makes the game immediately enjoyable for players of all levels.

Surprising depth

Despite this accessibility, CS:GO still carries with it an astonishing amount of nuance. Sure, it might be thrilling to run about lobbing grenades at all and sundry on your first attempt, but you’ll slowly begin to realize that there’s more to the game than simply pointing and shooting. Familiarizing yourself with every nook and cranny of the game’s environment, as well as the various merits and drawbacks of its extensive arsenal, is a joy in itself and once mastered, will improve your gameplay no end.

eSports entertainment

As well as being an enthralling pastime or stress-relieving method in its own right, some people have actually carved a lucrative career out of CS:GO. The game remains one of the most popular options at eSports events, where the prize money can exceed six-figure sums! What’s more, making money from CS:GO is not just limited to the professionals. Even complete newbies to the game can bet on CS:GO (and DOTA) eSports , laying wagers on who they think will triumph in upcoming events. As such, it’s an exciting experience for all parties.

Staying fresh

Finally, no game would remain at or near the top of Steam charts for the best part of a decade without keeping things fresh. Fortunately, the game’s makers release regular updates and patches which fix bugs, enhance gameplay and introduce new features, thus preventing it from going stale. This commitment to continually innovate is what keeps people coming back for more and ensures that CS:GO is likely to be enjoyed by generations of future gamers, too.

Despite its advanced years, CS:GO is still the pinnacle when it comes to first person shooter games. Try it yourself and see!