Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Overview
"Counter-Strike: Global Offensive" (CS:GO) is a multiplayer first-person shooter video game developed by Valve and Hidden Path Entertainment. Released in 2012, it is the fourth game in the Counter-Strike series and features classic content, such as revamped versions of classic maps, as well as brand new maps, characters, and game modes.
Gameplay
CS:GO is a objective-based multiplayer first-person shooter. Each player joins either the Terrorist or Counter-Terrorist team and attempts to complete objectives or eliminate the enemy team. The game operates in short rounds that end when all players on one side are dead or a team's objective is completed.
Game Modes
CS:GO features nine principal game modes: Competitive, Casual, Deathmatch, Arms Race, Demolition, Wingman, Flying Scoutsman, Danger Zone, and Weapons Course. Each game mode has a distinct set of rules and objectives, which adds to the game's complexity and strategic depth.
Competitive
The Competitive mode is the most serious mode of play. It consists of two teams of five players each, with one team playing as the Terrorists and the other as the Counter-Terrorists. The objective for the Terrorists is to plant a bomb and ensure it explodes, while the Counter-Terrorists aim to prevent the bomb from being planted, defuse it, or eliminate all the Terrorists.
Casual
Casual mode is a less serious version of the Competitive mode. It features a relaxed set of rules, with friendly fire and collision turned off. Players can join and leave games freely without penalty.
Deathmatch
In Deathmatch mode, players can respawn instantly after being killed. The objective is to achieve the highest score by killing other players.
Arms Race
Arms Race is a gun-progression mode featuring instant respawning and a variety of weapons. Players start with a basic weapon and advance through a sequence of firearms by scoring kills.
Demolition
Demolition mode is a round-based mode with a single life per round. It features a gun progression system similar to Arms Race, but with bomb planting and defusing objectives.
Wingman
Wingman is a 2-versus-2 version of the Competitive mode, with one team playing as the Terrorists and the other as the Counter-Terrorists. The objective for the Terrorists is to plant a bomb and ensure it explodes, while the Counter-Terrorists aim to prevent the bomb from being planted, defuse it, or eliminate all the Terrorists.
Flying Scoutsman
Flying Scoutsman is a mode that features low gravity and only two weapons – the SSG 08, a sniper rifle, and a knife. The objective is to score kills.
Danger Zone
Danger Zone is a battle-royale mode that features up to 18 players and has a focus on environmental combat and scavenging.
Weapons Course
The Weapons Course is a single-player mode that serves as a practice and tutorial mode. It is designed to help new players learn basic controls and movements.
Development
CS:GO was developed by Valve in cooperation with Hidden Path Entertainment. The game was initially released as a beta to members of the Valve community in August 2011, with the full game being released in August 2012. The game was later updated to include a battle royale mode, Danger Zone, in December 2018.
Reception
Upon release, CS:GO received positive reviews from critics, who praised the game for its gameplay and faithful update of the Counter-Strike formula. As of 2021, the game has a large and active player base, with professional competitions held regularly.
Professional Competition
CS:GO has a vibrant professional esports scene, with numerous tournaments held worldwide. These include the Majors, the most prestigious tournaments in the CS:GO competitive scene. The Majors feature the best teams from around the world and offer large cash prizes.