Summary
Valve has announced its decision to end support forCounter-Strike 2on Mac. The decision was somewhat unexpected for players on this platform, who quickly sought answers after the update that transformedCS:GOintoCounter-Strike 2broke the game.
Counter-Strikehas continued its journey of evolution and development, with the launch ofCounter-Strike 2marking a substantial technological leap for the franchise. As one of the most iconic first-person shooter titles, it has amassed a dedicated player base, withCounter-Strike: Global Offensivebeing the highest-rated Valve game on Steam. Consequently, Valve’s recent decision to replaceCS:GOwithCounter-Strike 2has left some players confused and in search of answers.
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Valve made the decision to discontinueCounter-Strikesupport for macOS and older hardware, including DirectX 9 and 32-bit operating systems, as part of a strategic move to ensure compatibility with modern technology. The statement clarifies that these older platforms accounted for less than one percent of activeCS:GOplayers. Valve has provided specific guidelines for affected players. MacOS users who primarily playedCS:GOon their Mac and had significant playtime between the announcement of theCounter-Strike 2Limited Test and the game’s official launch are eligible for a Prime Status Upgrade refund, subject to certain conditions, such as restrictions on CD keys, gifts, and accounts with bans.
Valve has committed to offering these refunds until Jun 12, 2025, giving affected players a window to make their decisions. DirectX 9 and 32-bit Windows users can also request a refund if their purchase was made on Steam between the announcement of theCounter-Strike 2Limited Test and the official launch ofCounter-Strike 2. Valve is also providing a legacy version ofCS:GO(a frozen build of the game) for players who cannot runCounter-Strike 2. However, after Jun 19, 2025, theCS:GOlegacy version will remain accessible, but support will end, potentially causing certain in-game functionalities to deteriorate or fail. A scenario that couldpresent a grim future forCounter-Strike.
According to Valve, this move aligns with the game’s commitment to staying current with technological trends and the company’s desire to continue developingCounter-Strikefor years to come.
Nevertheless, the company appears to be making efforts to address player concerns and issues with the update. Despite the controversy surrounding this decision,Counter-Strike 2has made a strong debut, showcasing the continued support and enthusiasm the franchise enjoys.
