Highlights
- Valve's decision to end support for Counter-Strike 2 on Mac has left some players confused and seeking answers.
- The decision to discontinue support for older platforms was made to ensure compatibility with modern technology.
- Valve is offering refunds and a legacy version of CS:GO for affected players, but support for the legacy version will eventually end.
Valve has announced its decision to end support for Counter-Strike 2 on Mac. The decision was somewhat unexpected for players on this platform, who quickly sought answers after the update that transformed CS:GO into Counter-Strike 2 broke the game.
Counter-Strike has continued its journey of evolution and development, with the launch of Counter-Strike 2 marking a substantial technological leap for the franchise. As one of the most iconic first-person shooter titles, it has amassed a dedicated player base, with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive being the highest-rated Valve game on Steam. Consequently, Valve's recent decision to replace CS:GO with Counter-Strike 2 has left some players confused and in search of answers.
Valve made the decision to discontinue Counter-Strike support for macOS and older hardware, including DirectX 9 and 32-bit operating systems, as part of a strategic move to ensure compatibility with modern technology. The statement clarifies that these older platforms accounted for less than one percent of active CS:GO players. Valve has provided specific guidelines for affected players. MacOS users who primarily played CS:GO on their Mac and had significant playtime between the announcement of the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test and the game's official launch are eligible for a Prime Status Upgrade refund, subject to certain conditions, such as restrictions on CD keys, gifts, and accounts with bans.
Valve has committed to offering these refunds until December 1, 2023, giving affected players a window to make their decisions. DirectX 9 and 32-bit Windows users can also request a refund if their purchase was made on Steam between the announcement of the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test and the official launch of Counter-Strike 2. Valve is also providing a legacy version of CS:GO (a frozen build of the game) for players who cannot run Counter-Strike 2. However, after January 1, 2024, the CS:GO legacy version will remain accessible, but support will end, potentially causing certain in-game functionalities to deteriorate or fail. A scenario that could present a grim future for Counter-Strike.
According to Valve, this move aligns with the game's commitment to staying current with technological trends and the company's desire to continue developing Counter-Strike for years to come.
Nevertheless, the company appears to be making efforts to address player concerns and issues with the update. Despite the controversy surrounding this decision, Counter-Strike 2 has made a strong debut, showcasing the continued support and enthusiasm the franchise enjoys.
Counter-Strike 2 is now available on PC.
Source: Steam