5 Facts You Didn’t Know About CSGO

If you've been playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive since its release, you probably think you know everything there is to know about this massively popular first-person shooter. A firm fixture of the esports circuit and the game of choice for millions of players, CSGO has a special place in the hearts of many. Looking to learn more about your favorite shooter? Below are five fascinating details you may not know about Valve's enduringly popular franchise. 

1. Counter-Strike Inspired an Arcade Version 

There's been a significant rise in so-called demakes in recent years, with everything from Halo to Fallout receiving the retro treatment. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is no exception. If you're looking to indulge in some nostalgia, Counter-Strike NEO is something that will probably interest you. Created by gaming developer Namco, this arcade reimaging of the popular first-person shooter was built atop the code of the original Counter-Strike. Unlike more recent demakes, Counter-Strike NEO has been doing the rounds for more than a decade, having been released way back in 2005. 

2. It Began Life as a Half-Life Mod

AlthoughCounter-Strike: Global Offensive is now one of the most popular video games of all time, it actually began life as a mod. The basis for this mod was Half-Life, another first-person shooter from Valve. This mod went down a storm with the gaming community, with the developers quickly taking note. Valve quickly snapped up the rights and developed it into the original Counter-Strike game. 

3. When Player Feuds Go Too Far

Generally speaking, video games are a great way of blowing off steam. However, very occasionally, in-game rivalries can spill out into the real world. Back in 2010, one player took things too far after developing a vendetta against a rival player. Julien Barreaux couldn't let sleeping dogs lie after locking horns with another player in the virtual world. Rather than attempt to settle things on the CS:GO map, Barreaux spent months stalking his intended victim, eventually stabbing them. Thankfully, his victim survived and Barreaux was promptly apprehended by the authorities. 

4. The Rifle in the Counter-Strike Logo Can't Be Used in the Game 

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive boasts an impressive array of weaponry. However, one weapon you won't be able to add to your arsenal is the Scar-17 seen in the game logo. Originally, this rifle was intended to be included in the original version of the game. However, these plans were abandoned during the development phase. By this point, the final CSGO logo had already been signed off and it was never amended to accommodate the in-game changes. 

5. A Key Game Feature Wasn't Featured in the Original Version

Bomb defusal maps are a staple of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. However, this core CSGO feature was never intended to be part of the final game. It is only during the beta testing phase that bomb defusal maps were included. You only need to follow the CSGO schedule at 1337 Pro to see how what a beloved part of the franchise these maps have become, with many players preferring them to hostage-rescue scenarios.