Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has once again shattered its all-time peak player count record, reaching a staggering 1,818,773 concurrent users, according to SteamDB. This is an increase of nearly 300,000 players since the previous record set in March, when the game reached 1,519,457 concurrent players following the announcement of Counter-Strike 2.
Several factors have likely contributed to this surge in players. The final CS:GO Major event, which takes place in Paris from May 8 to May 21, has drawn players back to the game with its tie-in rewards. Valve has added its usual Pick’Em challenge, where players can try to predict the Major’s results and earn prizes based on the accuracy of their guesses. The rarity of the rewards increases with the accuracy of the predictions.
Additionally, new cosmetics have arrived, including stickers featuring the logos of every participating team and the signature of each player competing in the Major. These stickers can be applied to any weapon, and collectors can purchase specific player stickers on the Steam Community Market. Some of these stickers are selling for over $40.
This year’s Paris Major will be the only Major event for 2023 and the last one played in CS:GO, as the first Major in Counter-Strike 2 is scheduled for March 2024. As a result, many players are likely trying to make the most of the final CS:GO Major and its associated rewards.
Counter-Strike 2 is currently undergoing a limited test for a select group of players. Valve has described the sequel as “an overhaul to every system, every piece of content, and every part of the C-S experience,” and it even includes a Half-Life reference.
With the release of Counter-Strike 2 on the horizon, it remains to be seen how this will impact CS:GO’s player base, but for now, the game continues to attract record-breaking numbers of players.
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