Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) was officially released on August 21, 2012, making it over 11 years old. The game was developed by Valve Corporation and Hidden Path Entertainment as the fourth main entry in the Counter-Strike series.

While CS:GO has evolved significantly since its launch, it's worth noting that the Counter-Strike franchise itself dates back to 1999, when it began as a mod for Half-Life. The transition to CS:GO marked a significant modernization of the series, introducing enhanced graphics, new game modes, and improved matchmaking systems.

Throughout its lifespan, CS:GO has received numerous updates and changes. Some of the most notable developments include:

The introduction of the Arms Deal update in 2013
The transition to free-to-play in December 2018
The release of Source 2 version (Counter-Strike 2) in September 2023

The game's age hasn't affected its popularity - in fact, CS:GO has consistently remained one of the most-played games on Steam, regularly achieving concurrent player counts in the millions. This longevity is particularly impressive in the fast-paced gaming industry, where many titles struggle to maintain relevance beyond their first few years.

CS:GO's continued success can be attributed to its core gameplay mechanics, which have remained largely unchanged since release, while regular updates have kept the game fresh and competitive. The game has also fostered a massive esports scene, which continues to grow despite the game's age.

In 2023, CS:GO transitioned into Counter-Strike 2, marking the end of its original form but continuing its legacy with improved graphics and mechanics while maintaining the same fundamental gameplay that made it successful for over a decade.

To put it simply: CS:GO was released in 2012 and actively served the gaming community for 11 years before evolving into Counter-Strike 2 in 2023.

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