The ups and downs of player counts on Steam Charts are a common occurrence for any game that has been around for a while, including Counter-Strike. However, lately, players have been fixating on every decrease in player count, using it as evidence to confirm their negative experiences with the game. While their analysis may be technically correct, the conclusion that CS2 is dying and will always be bad is flawed.
Let’s take a moment to assess the situation. It’s true that CS2 is lacking several features that players consider essential to the Counter-Strike experience. The sub-tick system needs significant improvements, and the Premiere ranking system is plagued with cheaters and poor matchmaking. These issues cannot be ignored.
However, there are other factors to consider as well. When a long-standing game receives a new entry or a major expansion, there is typically a temporary increase in player count that is not sustainable. Contrary to popular belief, many gamers try out the new content for a month or two and then return to their preferred games. This fluctuation in player count is inevitable, regardless of the game’s initial state. Unless a game becomes a groundbreaking success, which is rare, there will always be a portion of players who are merely curious tourists.
The sub-tick system was always going to require time to perfect. It is an ambitious approach to ensuring fair online gameplay, and expecting it to be flawless from the start is unrealistic. Progress is not binary, and if Valve does not transition to 128 tick servers, there will be some growing pains. The current server performance issues are undoubtedly contributing to the decline in player count, but they can be addressed and resolved.
CS2 launched without community features like surfing maps and private servers, which has understandably disappointed many players. However, it is highly likely that these functions will be reintroduced in the future, prompting those dissatisfied with CS2’s lack of community options to return to the game they have been dedicated to for decades.
This is not to say that the release of CS2 was flawless. Veteran Counter-Strike players have every right to be upset with the underwhelming and disrespectful handling of the game. However, it is important to interpret data accurately and not fall into the “the line always goes up” mentality. Claiming that CS2 is dying based on current circumstances is a flawed analysis driven by players with grievances.
Undoubtedly, the current situation is challenging, but unless there are extraordinary circumstances, things will improve.
Source: DOTESPORTS
