Release date(s) TW: July 24, 2008 | ||
Publisher(s) Valve CorporationNexon CorporationTianCityGamaniaIAHgamesMegaxusPlayFPSNexon EUGo Play | ||
Counter-Strike Online is a FPS Counter-Strike game targeted towards Asia's gaming market released in 2008. It is based on Counter-Strike and was developed by Nexon Co. Ltd. with oversight from license-holder Valve Corporation. It uses a micropayment model that is managed by a custom version of the Steam back-end.
Contents
Overview
The game also features a variety of additions over the international Counter-Strike, such as the introduction of female characters, numerous new weapons and skins for previous weapons. Most of the weapons are "locked" by default, so virtual cash or in-game points are essential to purchase them. Most special weapons, skins, power-ups, etc. can be purchased with cash points. A variety of other special items can also be bought with in-game points as well.
Counter-Strike Online itself is free to play, but some weapons are bought using points purchased with real money. These weapons usually expire after a certain amount of time but sometimes can be purchased permanently during a promotion. Certain weapons and items can be purchased with points that are gained by getting kills, completing objectives, etc.
Modes
Counter-Strike Online includes classic Counter-Strike modes and added more. They are categorized as six: Classic, Deathmatches, Zombie Infection, Scenarios, Fun and Others.
Sequel
On April 5, 2012, Nexon and Valve announced a partnership to develop Counter-Strike Online 2, which is based on an enhanced Source engine, and offered enhanced graphics, powerful impact physics, and more new features. It has been confirmed that Counter-Strike Online 2 uses the same Source version as Counter-Strike: Source. However, it is not a copy of CS:S since all the features in game like models, maps and sounds are completely rebuilt by Nexon of South Korea.
Professional leagues and tournaments
Counter-Strike Online is one of the largest esports, with various annual tournaments taking place worldwide.
Other tournaments
The World Cyber Games 2012 Grand Finals in Kunshan hosted a Counter-Strike Online tournament, at which teams from China, Taiwan, Malaysia and South Korea competed. The TYLOO team from China won the tournament.
Spin-off
Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies was released on Steam the October 7, 2014. This is the first adaptation of Counter-Strike Online to be published via Valve Corporation's Steam content delivery system. Counter-Strike Online Singapore/Malaysia, which also run in English language, was closed six months later.