How CS:GO has influenced other popular online games

Considering the fact Counter-Strike: Global Offensive was released more than 10 years ago, the game itself has enjoyed remarkable success, continuing to keep gamers engaged and entertained. Furthermore, this incredible title has become the focus for major esports tournaments, constantly attracting more players and a much wider audience.

Since being released back in 2012, while many similar games have risen and fallen over the years, CS:GO is actually stronger than ever, highlighted by consistently growing and gaining new players. Indeed, as we reported at the end of March 2023, CS:GO set a new all-time peak record according to SteamCharts data, as, 1,519,457 players accessed the game via Steam at the same time.

Buoyed by such a large and active community, fuelled by so many intriguing elements that enhance the overall experience, this highly competitive game continues to defy all expectations. Nobody predicted that CS:GO would become quite as successful as it has, although numerous factors have obviously helped.

These include the free-to-play model, along with the capacity to run superbly on low-end hardware, which undoubtedly contributes towards making CS:GO widely accessible. From community content keeping the game fresh and appealing, to the broadness and variety of experiences possible, let’s take a look at how this title has inspired and influenced other popular online games.

Motivating the esports gaming sphere

Without any shadow of doubt, CS:GO is largely responsible for popularising the tactical shooter genre, underpinned by placing an increased emphasis on skilful gameplay, strategic thinking, and solid teamwork. Great examples include releases like Overwatch and Rainbow Six Siege, both clearly inspired by core gameplay mechanics CS:GO perfected.

Furthermore, the key focus on multiplayer was always going to make CS:GO appealing for online gamers, which led to the title enjoying huge success in the esports arena. In fact, it’s fair to say that CS:GO helped to pave the way for other games to be more esports-friendly, as developers introduced more features to enhance participation and viewership. This includes tournament modes, in-game spectatorship, and exciting replay systems.

Hardly surprising, CS:GO remains the go-to title for competitive gaming, regularly attracting the highest numbers of participants, whether playing in tournaments located in Australia or the United States and elsewhere. Heading into the month of April 2023, according to Esports Earnings data, CS:GO players had already won more than $4.27 million in prize money from 45 tournaments, comfortably ahead of both PUBG and Rainbow Six Siege.

One of the key ingredients that consistently drives many CS:GO players, avatar customisation allows us to make our in-game digital counterparts unique, which means that skins and microtractions are integral parts of gameplay. Inevitably, the success of CS:GO in this regard has inspired similar features in subsequent hit releases, including Fortnite and Apex Legends, amongst many others.

Another influential component of CS:GO is the variety and balance of map designs, as developers aim to make their gaming spaces more challenging and entertaining. Across many similar games, players are actively encouraged to broaden their strategies and tactical choices. Likewise, all of these components have cultivated a thriving modding scene, increasingly encouraged by game developers, who increasingly support community-driven creation.

Inspiring the spinning reels

While much of the world calls them video slots or simply just slots, known for their fondness towards shortening words, Australians use the slang term “pokies” when talking about the spinning reels. This refers to poker machines, around which the modern online casino games are based, although they have certainly evolved compared to the original mechanical counterparts.

Gaming has become a cultural phenomenon, widely accepted as one of the most popular forms of entertainment in modern life and pop culture, therefore it’s only natural to find pokies that are themed around esports. Along with searching for the best casino bonuses and promotions, the choice of gaming themes and genres is just as important for mature Aussie players.

Clearly influenced by CS:GO and the popularity this game has achieved, iGaming software provider Idenon has released two themed pokies, both inspired by the original esports counterpart. Filled with instantly recognisable imagery, Counterpunch Pro and Terror Strike certainly capture the Counter-Strike flavour, combining spins with bonus feature including some featuring enhanced layers of interactivity.

Although pokies are mostly based around random number generators and chance, these are two games that add increased options for players, whenever matching icons appear on the reels. When that happens, choices available akin to those we might face in CS:GO sessions, adding a whole new layer to the thrilling experience.