Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, or CSGO, is a popular first-person shooter game that has a dedicated and passionate player base. The game was developed by Valve Corporation and initially released in 2012. However, it wasn’t always free-to-play.
So when did CSGO become free?
CSGO was originally released as a paid game, with players having to purchase it in order to play. At the time, it was available on various platforms including Microsoft Windows, OS X, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.
In 2018, Valve Corporation announced that they were making the game free-to-play. This was a significant change as it meant that players no longer had to pay upfront to access the game. The game was made available for free on Steam, which is a digital distribution platform for video games.
The decision to make the game free-to-play was likely driven by a number of factors. One reason could be that the game had already been out for several years and had a large player base. Making it free-to-play could help attract new players and also keep the existing player base engaged.
Another reason could be the increasing trend of free-to-play games in the market. In recent years, there has been a shift towards free-to-play games, especially in the online multiplayer space. This is because free-to-play games have a lower barrier to entry, which makes it easier for players to try out the game and see if they like it.
Making CSGO free-to-play also had some benefits for Valve Corporation. One of the main benefits was that it allowed them to generate revenue through microtransactions. In-game microtransactions are small purchases that players can make to unlock additional content or features in a game.
This can include things like new weapons, skins, and other cosmetics. By making the game free-to-play, Valve Corporation was able to monetize the game through microtransactions and continue to generate revenue from it.
In addition to microtransactions, Valve Corporation also generates revenue from the sale of “prime” accounts. Prime accounts are a paid feature that provides players with additional benefits, such as a higher trust factor and access to exclusive matchmaking. Players can purchase a prime account or upgrade their existing account to a prime account for a fee.
Overall, CSGO became free-to-play in 2018 and has continued to be a popular game with a dedicated player base. The decision to make the game free-to-play was likely driven by a combination of factors, including the desire to attract new players and the trend toward free-to-play games in the market. It has also allowed Valve Corporation to continue generating revenue from the game through microtransactions and the sale of prime accounts.
