In an unexpected move that took many by surprise, Valve has decided to end support for MacOS on its newly released game, Counter-Strike 2. This change also extends to older PCs that run on DirectX 9 and 32-bit operating systems. While the move might make sense from a development perspective, it leaves a small but dedicated portion of the gaming community in a lurch. This article aims to delve into the specifics of Valve’s decision, its implications for players, and how the gaming community is reacting to the news.

End of Support for MacOS and Older Systems

Valve recently made it clear that they’re focusing on what they term “the largest technical leap in CS history.” As a part of this mission, they have decided to limit the game’s support to 64-bit Windows and Linux systems. This means that if you are a MacOS user or have older PCs, you won’t be able to run the game. According to Valve, players using DirectX 9, 32-bit operating systems, or MacOS “represented less than one percent of active CS:GO players,” which likely influenced their decision.

The Legacy Version of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

As a consolation to those affected by this new policy, Valve is offering a “frozen build” of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO). This version includes almost all features except for official matchmaking. However, it should be noted that support for this legacy version will end on January 1, 2024. After that date, while the game may still be accessible, certain functionalities may degrade or fail altogether.

Refund Policy for Affected Players

Players who have purchased the Counter-Strike 2 Prime Status upgrade have the option to apply for a refund under specific conditions. DirectX 9 and 32-bit Windows users who signed up for Prime Status between March 22, 2023, and September 27, 2023, are eligible for refunds. Mac users can also apply for a refund, provided most of their Global Offensive playtime was on MacOS. The deadline for claiming these refunds is December 1, 2023.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s Resurgence

One interesting outcome of this decision is the resurrection of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Many players who aren’t pleased with the changes in Counter-Strike 2 see this as an opportunity to return to the older version of the game, albeit with some limitations.

Implications for the Gaming Community

The gaming community has shown mixed reactions to Valve’s announcement. While some consider it a logical step for Valve to focus on more robust and current systems, others find it disappointing, especially those dedicated players using MacOS or older PCs for their gaming needs.

Final Thoughts

Valve’s decision to end support for MacOS and older systems is a notable shift in their strategy. While it might be a calculated move for the future, it does impact a subset of their gaming community. With alternatives and refund policies in place, Valve has attempted to soften the blow, but the long-term ramifications of this move remain to be seen.

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