As the Counter-Strike 2 release date approaches, CSGO cases are unlocking and opening in staggering record numbers as Valve FPS players search for new skins in preparation for the full arrival of CS2. We already know that the items will carry over to the sequel to the Steam shooter, and Global Offensive fans will be trying to collect the most valuable CSGO skins before market prices change too drastically.
For the uninitiated: CSGO cases are distributed to players at the end of matches on Valve’s dedicated servers. Although the cases are free, the digital keys to open them cost $2.50 (£2).
The contents of the box are random, although often the price of the key exceeds the cost of the weapon skins in the box, there is always a chance to get a rare and extremely valuable CSGO skin that can be exchanged for a large amount of real money. For example, the Case Hardened Karambit Blue Gem skin is valued at around $1.5 million (£1.2 million).
The arrival of Counter-Strike 2 is likely to create volatility in the CS market as Valve introduces new skins for guns and knives. It’s already been confirmed that players will be able to transfer their entire inventory of CSGO skins over to CS2, perhaps encouraging more case openings as people look to grab the best skins before the trade price drops.
In February, approximately 27.7 million CSGO registrations were opened among shooters, which was a new monthly high at the time. However, that number rose to 39.5 million in March, another new record based on numbers calculated by CSGO Case Tracker.
Some quick math shows that at $2.50 per open case, Digital Case Keys generated gross revenue for CSGO in March of approximately $98.75 million. This is an approximate figure and Valve does not disclose information on exactly how Counter-Strike revenue is distributed and received. However, as we anticipate all the changes in Counter-Strike 2, it seems that interest in the flagship shooter for PC is at an all-time high.
Take a look at all of the confirmed Counter-Strike 2 maps, many of which have been fully remastered in Valve’s Source 2 engine. You’ll also want to know about all the changes to Counter-Strike 2’s smokes, which may seem minor, but could actually be game-changing.
Source : PC Gamesn
