Image Credit: Engadget
Valve is set to release a new version of the iconic tactical shooter, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, more than a decade after its original launch. Rumors of a new release have been circulating for some time, but journalist Richard Lewis has confirmed the news is authentic. Supporting evidence has also been found, with references to "csgo2.exe" and "cs2.exe" discovered in Nvidia's GPU drivers dating back to February. Valve has been developing a sequel to CS: GO for some time now and plans to begin beta testing with the broader Counter-Strike community by April 1st at the latest. The upcoming version of Counter-Strike will feature enhanced graphics thanks to the transition to Valve's latest in-house game engine, Source 2. The game will also support 128-tick servers to reduce latency and align with competitor game, Valorant. Valve has also made significant improvements to the matchmaking experience, reducing the community's dependence on third-party services like FACEIT. Sources reveal that Counter-Strike 2 is Valve's current priority, with development already underway for some time. The game is expected to be "ready to hit the market" soon, with a beta launch expected in March or April. Valve's focus on Counter-Strike 2 is also likely why maintenance on CS: GO has stalled in recent times. The sequel will introduce visual and performance-centric improvements, but players who enjoy CS: GO without issues may not have the same experience playing its sequel. Matchmaking is also tipped to see improvements, with the sequel set to use the same matchmaking process as its predecessors, albeit with ongoing improvements over time.
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