View source for Counter-Strike (video game)

{{Short description|2000 first-person shooter video game}}
{{pp-pc}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2016}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Counter-Strike
| image = Counter-Strike Box.jpg
| developer = [[Valve Corporation|Valve]]{{efn|Additional development by [[Barking Dog Studios]]. The Xbox version of the game was developed by [[Ritual Entertainment]] and [[Turtle Rock Studios]].}}
| publisher = {{Unbulleted list|[[Sierra Studios]]{{efn|The Xbox version of the game was published by [[Xbox Game Studios|Microsoft Game Studios]]. The OS X and Linux versions were self-published by Valve.}}}}
| designer = {{Unbulleted list|[[Minh Le]]|[[Jess Cliffe]]}}
| series = ''[[Counter-Strike]]''
| engine = [[GoldSrc]]
| released = {{Collapsible list
| title = {{nobold|November 9, 2000}}
| '''Microsoft Windows'''
| November 9, 2000
| '''Xbox'''
| {{Video game release|NA|November 18, 2003|EU|December 5, 2003}}
| '''OS X''', '''Linux'''
| {{Video game release|WW|January 24, 2013}}
}}
| genre = [[Tactical shooter|Tactical]] [[first-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]]
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[OS X]], [[Linux]]
}}

'''''Counter-Strike''''' (also known as '''''Half-Life: Counter-Strike''''' or '''''Counter-Strike 1.6''''') is a 2000 [[Tactical shooter|tactical]] [[first-person shooter]] game developed by [[Valve Corporation]] and published by [[Sierra Studios]]. It is the first installment in the [[Counter-Strike|''Counter-Strike'' series]].

The game pits two teams—the [[counterterrorism|Counter-Terrorists]] and [[Terrorist]]s—against each other in objective-based game modes. The most common objectives are bomb defusal and hostage rescue, each played on designated maps. Players begin with a knife and pistol, and they can purchase more advanced weapons and equipment with money earned through eliminating enemies or accomplishing goals. Once eliminated, players do not respawn until the end of the round.

[[Minh Le]] and [[Jess Cliffe]] planned a game based on counter-terrorism in 1998 with development beginning the following year when the first few [[Software release life cycle#Beta|beta versions]] were released. The ''Half-Life'' modification gained significant popularity and interest, which attracted Valve. Valve later acquired the game's [[intellectual property]] and announced a partnership with Le and Cliffe. After finishing development, ''Counter-Strike'' was released by Valve for [[Microsoft Windows]] in November 2000. Several [[Video game remake|remakes]] and [[Port (video gaming)|ports]] were released on [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], as well as [[OS X]] and [[Linux]].

Since its release, ''Counter-Strike'' received positive reviews from critics who praised the gameplay and its emphasis on teamwork and strategy. It has been called one of the most influential first-person shooters and noted for its realistic and tactical approach to counter-terrorism. The game became a major hit and sold millions of copies and grossing millions of dollars. Because of this success, sequels of ''Counter-Strike'' came out, with the first one being ''[[Counter-Strike: Condition Zero]]'', released in 2004, which was received with mixed reviews. ''[[Counter-Strike: Source]]'' came out later that year, which ran on Valve's [[Source (game engine)|Source]] engine, offering improved visuals and physics. In 2012, ''[[Counter-Strike: Global Offensive]]'' was launched, giving the franchise new game modes and better matchmaking. ''[[Counter-Strike 2]]'', developed in the [[Source 2]] engine, was released in 2023 as an update to ''Global Offensive''.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Counter-Strike screenshot.png|thumb|left|The player standing in the terrorist starting zone (spawn point) of [[de_dust]] using a CV-47 ([[AK-47]])]] 
''Counter-Strike'' is a team-based [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] [[first-person shooter]] video game in which players play as Terrorists (T) or Counter-Terrorists (CT).<ref>{{Cite web |last= |last2= |first2= |last3= |first3= |last4= |first4= |date=2012-03-27 |title=Basics - ''Counter-Strike'' Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/counter-strike/Basics |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jensen |first=K. Thor |date=September 14, 2022 |title=Knee Deep in the Dead: The History of First-Person Shooters |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/the-complete-history-of-first-person-shooters |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=[[PCMag]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Pargman |first1=Daniel |last2=Rambusch |first2=Jana |last3=Jakobsson |first3=Peter |title=Exploring e-sports: A case study of gameplay in ''Counter-Strike'' |url=https://www.academia.edu/230698 |journal=Exploring E-sports}}</ref> Each game begins with both teams spawning simultaneously as one of eight possible default character models (four each for Counter-Terrorist and Terrorist).<ref name="phlcs">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=The Models |url=http://www.planethalflife.com/counter-strike/csinfo/models/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010602234021/http://www.planethalflife.com/counter-strike/csinfo/models/ |date= |archive-date=June 2, 2001 |access-date=March 12, 2025 |website=[[Planet Half-Life]]}}</ref> Each player begins with $800, two magazines of ammo, a knife, and a handgun: a [[Heckler & Koch USP]] for the Counter-Terrorists or a [[Glock|Glock 18c]] for the Terrorists. Players are usually allowed a few seconds before the round starts to purchase equipment but not move. They may purchase equipment whenever they are in a buy zone for their team.<ref name="BarrysWorld">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=''Counter-Strike'' - In Game|url=http://guides.barrysworld.com/cs/cs_pt7.shtm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001120141900/http://guides.barrysworld.com/cs/cs_pt7.shtm |date=October 4, 2000 |archive-date=November 20, 2000 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |website=[[BarrysWorld]]}}</ref> When players are killed, they become spectators for the rest of the round. They may typically watch the rest of the round from a variety of chosen observer modes.<ref>{{Harvnb|Valve Corporation|Sierra Studios|2000|p=11}}</ref> At the end of each round, players receive money for the next round: $3,500 for winning a round, $1,500 for losing one, and $300 for killing an enemy, up to a maximum total of $16,000. Players can be fined, or lose money, by killing a teammate or a hostage.<ref>{{Harvnb|Valve Corporation|Sierra Studios|2000|p=10}}</ref>

Depending on [[Level (video games)|the map]], there are 3 possible objectives to win (in addition to eliminating all enemy team members):<ref name="Gamespot" /><ref name="phlguide">{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike Guide: Overview of ''Counter-Strike'' |url=http://www.planethalflife.com/cs/guide/overview.shtm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010128164500/http://www.planethalflife.com/cs/guide/overview.shtm |archive-date=January 28, 2001 |website=[[Planet Half-Life]]}}</ref>
:* '''Bomb defusal''': The Terrorist team has a bomb when the round starts. The goal of the Terrorists is to plant the bomb at a bomb site—usually called Bombsite A or Bombsite B on the map—and make sure it explodes. The Counter-Terrorist team wins if they are able to defuse the bomb within a set time limit or if the time runs out before the bomb is planted, whereas the Terrorist team wins if the bomb successfully detonates. The survival of each team has no bearing on the round results; in other words, the Terrorist team can win with no surviving members if the bomb detonates, while the Counter-Terrorist team can win after a successful defusal even if the team is eliminated in the closing seconds between rounds. If either team is eliminated before the bomb is planted, the other team wins. Bomb defusal maps start with the prefix "de_" (e.g [[de_dust2]]).<ref name="gen4">{{Cite book |last=Computec Media France |url=http://archive.org/details/generation4-magazine-hsd01 |title=Génération 4 magazine |date=2000 |pages=47 |language=fr}}</ref>
:* '''Hostage rescue''': Four hostages are often located close to the Terrorist base on the map. The goal of the Counter-Terrorist team is to lead the captives to a location on the map where they are rescued.<ref name="phlguide" /> A team wins if every member of that team has been eliminated. The Counter-Terrorists win and get $2400 for each captive that survives, provided that the number of rescued hostages is at least half of the original hostage count. The Terrorists win if the round ends due to timing out. Maps with this objective start with the prefix "cs_" (e.g cs_office).<ref name="gen4" />
:* '''Assassination''': In this game mode, one Counter-Terrorist member becomes a VIP, armed with a Counter-Terrorist standard-issue USP handgun. The VIP is not permitted to retrieve dropped firearms except their own handgun. Either all the Terrorists die or the VIP must enter an extraction zone within a time limit for the Counter-Terrorists to win. The Terrorists win if the VIP dies or the time limit runs out. Maps with this objective start with the prefix "as_".<ref name="gen4"/> The VIP gets 200 armor and has 150% movement speed; they also have a unique skin for identification purposes.
Formerly, there was a fourth objective called Escape. In this scenario, the terrorist team had to "escape" to a designated escape point while the Counter-Terrorist team tried to kill them. When half of the team has managed to escape, the Terrorists win the round. Following each of the eight rounds of play, the two sides will trade roles. If one team eliminates the other, either team can win the scenario.<ref>{{Harvnb|Valve Corporation|Sierra Studios|2000|p=9}}</ref>

A [[heads-up display]] (HUD) shows information to assist players during gameplay. The action indicator in the top right displays the names of players who are killed and the weapon used. The radar, or [[mini-map]], shows the positions of teammates and other relevant map details. The HUD displays the player's health, armor, ammunition, and money as well as the round timer. On the left side, icons indicate important locations such as hostage rescue areas, VIP escape points, buy zones, and bomb sites, and in bomb defusal maps, it shows whether the player is carrying the C4 bomb or a defuse kit.<ref name="gamespothlcsguide">{{Cite web |last1= Ajami |first1= Amer |last2= Campanaro |first2= Craig |date= 2000 |title= ''Half-Life: Counter-Strike'' Game Guide; Getting Started |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/guides/pc/counterstrike/p2_03.html |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language= |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040926131521/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/guides/pc/counterstrike/p2_03.html |archive-date= 26 September 2004}}</ref>

There are three categories of weapons: [[melee]] (knife), [[Secondary weapon|secondary]] (handguns), and primary (rifles, shotguns, machine guns, and submachine guns). Players are only allowed to carry one weapon of each category at a time. There is a separate category for equipment like defusing kits and hand grenades which do not have the same carry limits.<ref>{{Harvnb|Valve Corporation|Sierra Studios|2000|p=15}}</ref>

==Development==
Video game programmer [[Minh Le|Minh "Gooseman" Le]] was previously involved in developing [[Video game modding|video game mods]], such as ''Navy SEALs'' for ''[[Quake (video game)|Quake]]'' and ''[[Action Quake 2]]''.<ref name="eurogamer_mlint">{{Cite web |last=Bye |first=John |date=March 10, 2000 |title=Minh Le of ''Counter Strike'' team |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/counterstrike |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |language=}}</ref> However, he wanted to create his own mod to have more control over development.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shirow |title=Interview with Gooseman of ''Counter Strike'' |url=http://www.halflife.net/mod/features/counterstrike/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991001054944/http://www.halflife.net/mod/features/counterstrike/index.html |archive-date=October 1, 1999 |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=Half-Life.net: Ministry of Development}}</ref> He chose to use the [[game engine]] [[GoldSrc]], because he had already worked with the ''Quake'' and ''Quake 2'' engines, and he felt it was a logical choice.<ref name="gamasutra le 2001">{{cite web |last=McLean-Foreman |first=John |date=May 30, 2001 |title=Interview with Minh Le |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/interview-with-minh-le |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423220435/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/131481/interview_with_minh_le.php |archive-date=April 23, 2019 |access-date=April 23, 2019 |work=[[Gamasutra]]}}</ref><ref name="p107">{{harvnb|Hodgson|2004|p=107}}</ref> The realistic setting of [[Half-Life (video game)|''Half-Life'']], which was developed using GoldSrc, made ''Half-Life'' well-suited for his concept of a mod involving terrorists and counter-terrorists.<ref name="eurogamer_mlint" /> Development began in January 1999, but as the ''Half-Life'' [[software development kit]] (SDK) was not yet released, Le initially created new weapon and player models.<ref name="csn_csy1">{{Cite web |last=Jensen |first=John |date= |title=''Counter-Strike'' Year 1 |url=http://csnation.counter-strike.net/features/csy1/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815235300/http://csnation.counter-strike.net/features/csy1/ |archive-date=August 15, 2000 |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=CS-Nation |page=2}}</ref> In February 1999, the first screenshots of ''Counter-Strike'' were released, accompanied by an interview with Le about the mod.<ref name="cs_retrospective">{{Cite web |last=Cliffe |first=Jess |author-link=Jess Cliffe |date= |title=''Counter-Strike'': A Retrospective In Pictures; A Comedy of Errors |url=http://www.counter-strike.net/retro.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010603073148/http://www.counter-strike.net/retro.html |archive-date=June 3, 2001 |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=Counter-Strike}}</ref> Le and [[Jess Cliffe]], who had both worked on ''Action Quake 2'', connected through [[IRC|Internet Relay Chat]], during which Le shared his idea for the mod. Cliffe, excited by the concept, offered to create a website for it and became involved in the project.<ref name="csn_csy1" /><ref name="p106">{{harvnb|Hodgson|2004|p=106}}</ref>

Several movies served as sources of inspiration for prospective weapon candidates. For instance, the [[Krieg 552 Commando|Krieg 552]] and [[M249 light machine gun|M249]] were included in ''Counter-Strike'' due to inspiration from the 1998 film [[Ronin (film)|''Ronin'']]. Additionally, the films [[Air Force One (film)|''Air Force One'']] and ''[[Léon: The Professional]]'' served as further influences for weapon selection.<ref name="csmovie_weapons">{{Cite web |last=Csthemovie |date=2001-08-02 |title=Interview with Gooseman |url=http://cine-courts.com/cs/itw.htm |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=Cine-courts.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205051557/http://cine-courts.com/cs/itw.htm |archive-date=2006-12-05}}</ref><ref name="p107"/> Gun magazines and the Internet were key sources for the team to gather information about the actual firearms used in the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yu |first=James |date=2001-01-25 |title=Gooseman ''Counter-Strike'' Interview |url=http://firingsquad.gamers.com/features/gooseint/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010812003811/http://firingsquad.gamers.com/features/gooseint/ |archive-date=2001-08-12 |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=FiringSquad |page=2}}</ref> A few weapon models in ''Counter-Strike'' deviate from their real-world counterparts because Le had to make assumptions about how certain weapons would behave in animations due to limited information.<ref name="gamasutra le 2001"/> The weapons had to not only look and sound good but also feel satisfying to use. Realism, as well as the type of weapons the groups would likely use in real-life scenarios, were prioritized when selecting the weapons for the game.<ref>{{harvnb|Hodgson|2004|p=114}}</ref>

On March 15, 1999, the mod received its name following an [[ICQ]] chat between Le and Cliffe.<ref name="cs_retrospective" /><ref name="p106"/> Le suggested names based on his favorite TV shows and movies, with options like ''Counterrorism'', ''Counter-Strike'', ''Strike Force'', ''Frag Heads'', ''Counter-Terror'', ''Terrorist Wars'', ''Terror-Force'', and ''Counter Force'', and eventually settled on ''Counter-Strike''.<ref name="p106" /><ref name="cs_retrospective" /> The official ''Counter-Strike'' web page was launched on March 24, 1999.<ref name="cs_oldnews">{{Cite web |date= |title=News Archive |url=http://www.counter-strike.net/haxornews/older.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010610041042/http://www.counter-strike.net/haxornews/older.html |archive-date=June 10, 2001 |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=Counter-Strike}}</ref> It was hosted by ''[[GameSpy]]''{{'}}s Joost Schurr on ''[[Planet Half-Life]]''.<ref name="p107"/> When the ''Half-Life'' SDK was released on April 7, 1999, mod development officially began.<ref name="cs_oldnews" /><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20001205072900/http://www.halflife.gamedesign.net/news_archives_apr99.shtml Half-Life Editing Resource Center - Archived News - April 1999]. Archived from the original on 2000-12-05.</ref> Minh Le's reputation from ''Action Quake 2'' led to the mod receiving significant attention before release. The website attracted 10,000 visitors within two and a half weeks.<ref name="csn_csy1" />

Le focused on the player models, spending 40 hours for each one. Cliffe contributed to the game's design, sound, art and public relations, while closely following the development of ''Half-Life'' and reading [[Gabe Newell]] interviews.<ref>{{harvnb|Hodgson|2004|p=108}}</ref> In May 1999, the mod's most pressing issue was a shortage of people to make maps to play on.<ref name="csn_csy1" /> Despite several requests posted on the official website, the response was minimal. Cliffe began directly contacting ''Half-Life'' mappers<ref name="gamasutra le 2001" /> and reached out to people who had previously submitted maps to Radium, a ''Half-Life'' mapping site.<ref>{{harvnb|Hodgson|2004|p=110}}</ref> A contest was held to select maps for the initial beta, though some maps selected were later discarded.<ref name="csn_csy1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gustafsson |first=David |date= |title=Interview with Magnus Lind |url=http://3dactioncs.gamereactor.net/int_magnus.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000904070557/http://3dactioncs.gamereactor.net/int_magnus.asp |archive-date=September 4, 2000 |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=3DAction}}</ref>

Before the first beta's official release, a pre-beta build was leaked online, which potentially accelerated the release of the mod.<ref name="csn_csy1" /> The first beta, released on July 15, 1999,<ref>{{harvnb|Hodgson|2004|p=112}}</ref> featured a hostage rescue scenario, 9 weapons, 4 maps, and one player model per side. Jess Cliffe reported that the release was well received by the community.<ref name="cs_oldnews" /> Beta 2 and Beta 3 followed, adding new weapons, maps, and factions. Beta 3 introduced the removal of kill counts from the scoreboard, which was controversial and later reversed.<ref name="csn_csy1" /> Beta 4 introduced the bomb defusal scenario.<ref name="cs_oldnews" /><ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Hobbit Interview |url=http://www.clanfire.com/csinterview/cshobbit.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818053049/http://www.clanfire.com/csinterview/cshobbit.htm |archive-date=2000-08-18|access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=ClanFiRE!}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20020822022519/http://www.leveldesign.nu/modules.php?name=Sections&sop=viewarticle&artid=122 LevelDesign.nu - Intervjuer - MEEEEDIC]. Archived from the original on 2002-08-22. "'''Jo Bieg''': The guys at cs.net introduced the new de (defusion) scenarios and Cliffe asked me to change it so they'd have one map featuring that scenario in the next cs-release."</ref> The interest in the game drew numerous players to Cliffe's website, which helped both him and Le make revenue from advertisements hosted on the site.<ref name="retro">{{cite magazine|year=2014|title=The Making of Counter-Strike|url=https://issuu.com/michelfranca/docs/retro_gamer____119|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|volume=119|pages=84–87}}</ref> Another website related to ''Counter-Strike'' was launched by John "Rizzuh" Jensen as a source for information about the game, tactics, skins and sounds.<ref>{{harvnb|Hodgson|2004|p=113}}</ref>

In late 1999, Minh Le began working at [[Barking Dog Studios]] while finishing his studies. When [[Valve Corporation|Valve Software]] learned of this, they asked Barking Dog to assist in developing Beta 5, offering to finance the project and acquire the game's [[intellectual property]].<ref name="retro"/><ref name="chrismair_int">{{Cite web |date=2000-10-31 |title=Interview mit Chris Mair, dem Author von de_train |url=http://www.counter-strike.de/scene/chris.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001031033145/http://www.counter-strike.de/scene/chris.html |archive-date=October 31, 2000 |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=counter-strike.de |language=}}</ref> Barking Dog mainly handled development, as Le was occupied with his university studies.<ref name="eurogamer_mlint" /><ref name="chrismair_int" /> Valve contributed by cleaning up code, fixing bugs, and enhancing the interface.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wezer |date= |title=Interviews - Chris Mair |url=http://www.counter-strike.dk/interviews/chrismair.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001023062913/http://www.counter-strike.dk/interviews/chrismair.asp |archive-date=October 23, 2000 |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=counter-strike.dk}}</ref><ref name="stomped_goose">{{Cite web |last=Citz |date= |title=Interview: Gooseman - ''Counter-Strike'' Creator |url=http://www.stomped.com/interviews/gooseman.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010416012952/http://www.stomped.com/interviews/gooseman.html |archive-date=April 16, 2001 |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=STOMPED}}</ref> New hostage models were introduced, and the development of the game was further supported with the release of Beta 5.2.<ref name="chrismair_int" /> With Beta 6.0, new scenarios, such as assassination and escape, were added. While assassination found moderate success, the escape scenario was later removed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cliffe |first=Jess |author-link=Jess Cliffe |date=January 6, 2000 |title=rocka-my soul in the bosom of Abraham... |url=http://counter-strike.net/haxornews/jan2000.html#newsitem947145398,68575, |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010805070535/http://counter-strike.net/haxornews/jan2000.html#newsitem947145398,68575, |archive-date=August 5, 2001 |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=Counter-Strike}}</ref>

==Release==
===Pre-release===
On April 12, 2000, [[Valve Software]] announced a partnership with the ''Counter-Strike'' Team, confirming that ''Counter-Strike 1.0'' would be included in an upcoming ''[[Half-Life (video game)|Half-Life]]'' patch.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cliffe |first=Jess |author-link=Jess Cliffe |date=April 12, 2000 |title=Press Release - ''Counter-Strike'' Team Partners with Valve |url=http://www.counter-strike.net/haxornews/april2000.html#newsitem955573899,26684, |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010405145640/http://www.counter-strike.net/haxornews/april2000.html#newsitem955573899,26684, |archive-date=April 5, 2001 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=Counter-Strike}}</ref> Though not explicitly stated, it is widely believed that this followed Valve's acquisition of ''Counter-Strike''. Statements suggest the rights were sold in early 2000, involving a financial transaction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Callaham |first=John |date=November 10, 2000 |title=''Half-Life: Ricochet'' Preview |url=http://www.stomped.com/published/jcal973833907_1_1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011214145009/http://www.stomped.com/published/jcal973833907_1_1.html |archive-date=December 14, 2001 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=STOMPED}}</ref> Despite the partnership, two more beta versions were released. Beta 6.5 (June 8, 2000) introduced an updated netcode,<ref>{{Cite web |title=''Counter-Strike'' Beta 6.5 (June 8, 2000) |url=https://hl2-beta.ru/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=54 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504235313/https://hl2-beta.ru/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=54 |archive-date=May 4, 2024 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=HALF-LIFE Project Beta}}</ref> while Beta 7.0 (August 26, 2000) added drive-able vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=''Counter-Strike'' Beta 7.0 (August 26, 2000) |url=https://hl2-beta.ru/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=56 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504111859/https://hl2-beta.ru/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=56 |archive-date=May 4, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=HALF-LIFE Project Beta}}</ref> Following the acquisition of the game by Valve, while Cliffe continued working for them, Le did additional work towards a ''Counter-Strike 2.0'' based on Valve's upcoming [[Source engine]], but left to start his own studio after Valve opted to shelve the sequel.<ref name="retro"/>

Valve planned to release ''Counter-Strike'' both as a ''Half-Life'' mod and a standalone retail product on August 31, 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cliffe |first=Jess |author-link=Jess Cliffe |date=September 1, 2000 |title=''Half-Life: Counter-Strike'' Announced |url=http://counter-strike.net/haxornews/sep2000.html#newsitem967774903,85797, |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010805064423/http://counter-strike.net/haxornews/sep2000.html#newsitem967774903,85797, |archive-date=August 5, 2001 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=Counter-Strike}}</ref> The decision aimed to increase accessibility and test market demand for a multiplayer game independent of ''Half-Life''. Legal issues arose before the retail release, particularly regarding weapon names, which were changed to fictional alternatives.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bye |first=John |date=November 9, 2000 |title=''Counter-Strike v1.0'' released |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_29710 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401213223/https://www.eurogamer.net/article-29710 |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> Valve also had to secure rights for maps and textures, leading to modifications and removals of certain assets.<ref name="cadaver">{{Cite web|url=http://www.battle-fields.com/article.php?artid=39|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020619072855/http://www.battle-fields.com/article.php?artid=39|title=Cadaver Interview|access-date=February 25, 2025|date=April 24, 2002|archive-date=June 19, 2002|website=B-F Total Gaming Network}}</ref> Minh Le, one of the original developers, compensated mappers whose work Valve did not purchase.<ref name="cadaver" />

===Post-release===
The retail version included new content, such as three additional weapons designed by Minh Le and updated player models provided by Valve.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Stuart |date=December 20, 2000 |title=''Counter-Strike'': The Mod that Rocks |url=http://www.pczone.co.uk/guest/php3/openframe.php3?page=features/_rocks/_rocks1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010602024551/http://www.pczone.co.uk/guest/php3/openframe.php3?page=features/_rocks/_rocks1.html |archive-date=June 2, 2001 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=PC Zone}}</ref> Maverick Developments created a training map for the retail edition.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Caryn |date=October 15, 2000 |title=The ''Half-Life'' Mod Expo 2000 |url=http://www.planethalflife.com:80/features/articles/modexpo2000/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001109104300/http://www.planethalflife.com:80/features/articles/modexpo2000/ |archive-date=November 9, 2000 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=Planet Half-Life}}
</ref> On November 9, 2000, Valve announced that the retail version had [[gone gold]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/10411/counter-strike-v10 |title=''Counter-Strike v1.0'' |first=Steve |last=Gibson |date=November 9, 2000 |website=[[Shacknews]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/counter-strike-10-released/1100-2652037/ |title=''Counter-Strike 1.0'' Released |first=Trey |last=Walker |date=November 9, 2000 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=July 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515193400/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/counter-strike-10-released/1100-2652037/ |archive-date=May 15, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the mod version was released shortly after.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cliffe |first=Jess |author-link=Jess Cliffe |date=November 9, 2000 |title=''CS V1.0'' Released! |url=http://counter-strike.net/haxornews/nov2000.html#newsitem973748630,76563, |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010805040513/http://counter-strike.net/haxornews/nov2000.html#newsitem973748630,76563, |archive-date=August 5, 2001 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=Counter-Strike}}</ref> It was launched under the name ''Half-Life: Counter-Strike'' because according to Jess Cliffe, the game did not have a strong identity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jess Cliffe on Xbox ''Counter-Strike'' |url=http://www.gamespy.com/interviews/november03/jesscliffe/index2.shtml |last=O'Donnell |first=Ryan |date=2003-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031121142150/http://www.gamespy.com/interviews/november03/jesscliffe/index2.shtml |archive-date=2003-11-21 |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=[[GameSpy]]}}</ref> After launch, Valve continued releasing updates. Version 1.1 implemented a new spectator mode,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cliffe |first=Jess |author-link=Jess Cliffe |title=''CS Windows 1.1'' Released! |url=http://www.counter-strike.net:80/#:~:text=CS%20Windows%201.1%20Released! |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010401225735/http://www.counter-strike.net:80/#:~:text=CS%20Windows%201.1%20Released! |archive-date=April 1, 2001 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=Counter-Strike}}</ref> version 1.3 introduced voice chat,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cliffe |first=Jess |author-link=Jess Cliffe |date=September 19, 2001 |title=''CS 1.3'' Released! |url=http://counter-strike.net:80/#:~:text=--%20cliffe-,CS%201.3%20Released!,---%20Friday%2C%20September%2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010927054201/http://counter-strike.net:80/#:~:text=%2D%2D%20cliffe-,CS%201.3%20Released!,-%2D%2D%20Friday%2C%20September%2021 |archive-date=September 27, 2001 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=Counter-Strike}}</ref> and version 1.4 added anti-cheat measures.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 26, 2002 |title=Steam Update |url=http://csnation.counter-strike.net/comments.php?id=4065 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020605065615/http://csnation.counter-strike.net/comments.php?id=4065 |archive-date=June 5, 2002 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=CS-Nation}}</ref> ''Counter-Strike 1.5'', released on June 12, 2002, was the last update before transitioning to Steam.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://csnation.counter-strike.net/comments.php?id=3807|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020605113258/http://csnation.counter-strike.net/comments.php?id=3807|title=''CS 1.4'' Nears.|access-date=February 25, 2025|date=January 5, 2002|archive-date=June 5, 2002|website=CS-Nation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Trey |date=June 12, 2002 |title=''Half-Life'' and ''Counter-Strike'' patches on the way |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/half-life-and-counter-strike-patches-on-the-way/1100-2868261/ |access-date=March 18, 2025 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>

In October 2002, it was stated that ''Counter-Strike 1.6'' would initially be distributed via [[Steam (service)|Steam]], with a beta test preceding its official release.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gheorghe |first=Silviu |date=October 9, 2002 |title=Valve Software Interview |url=http://www.computergames.ro/articole.php?optiune=show_interviews&interview=83 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021111180318/http://www.computergames.ro/articole.php?optiune=show_interviews&interview=83 |archive-date=November 11, 2002 |access-date=March 4, 2025 |website=Computer Games Romania}}</ref> Public beta testing was originally set to begin in mid-November,<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2002 |title=''Counter-Strike 1.6'' News |url=http://csnation.counter-strike.net/comments.php?id=5340 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021220172930/http://csnation.counter-strike.net/comments.php?id=5340 |archive-date=December 20, 2002 |access-date=March 4, 2025 |website=CS-Nation}}</ref> but the launch was first postponed to mid-December<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jensen |first=John |date=November 15, 2002 |title=1.6 Beta Delayed |url=http://csnation.counter-strike.net/comments.php?id=5413&hide=true |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021219070117/http://csnation.counter-strike.net/comments.php?id=5413&hide=true |archive-date=December 19, 2002 |access-date=March 4, 2025 |website=CS-Nation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2002 |title=Beta News |url=http://steampowered.com/support/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021204223330/http://steampowered.com/support/index.html |archive-date=December 4, 2002 |access-date=March 4, 2025 |website=[[Steam (service)|Steam]] |publisher=[[Valve Corporation]]}}</ref> before finally starting on January 16, 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cliffe |first=Jess |author-link=Jess Cliffe |date=January 16, 2003 |title=Steam Beta 2.0 Starts |url=http://www.counter-strike.net/#newsitem1042765370,3025, |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030214200355/http://www.counter-strike.net/#newsitem1042765370,3025, |archive-date=February 14, 2003 |access-date=March 4, 2025 |website=Counter-Strike}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Sam |date=January 16, 2003 |title=''Counter-Strike 1.6'' released |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/counter-strike-16-released/1100-2908968/ |access-date=March 18, 2025 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> On the same day, due to overwhelming demand, further beta admissions were quickly suspended as Steam's servers ran out of bandwidth.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cliffe |first=Jess |author-link=Jess Cliffe |date=January 16, 2006 |title=Steam Beta 2.0 Admission Suspended |url=http://www.counter-strike.net/newsitem1042765455,48114, |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030214200355/http://www.counter-strike.net/newsitem1042765455,48114, |archive-date=February 14, 2003 |access-date=March 4, 2025 |website=Counter-Strike}}</ref> It was available to the public once again in July 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calvert |first=Justin |date=July 14, 2003 |title=''Counter-Strike 1.6'' available again |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/counter-strike-16-available-again/1100-6071605/ |access-date=March 18, 2025 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> Along with the beta release, Valve and [[Plantronics]] announced a blue-and-gold-colored ''Counter-Strike'' headset based on Plantronics' DSP-500 headset. The headset had an adjustable microphone boom, a built-in volume control, and was usable with a USB port rather than a [[sound card]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Sam |date=June 20, 2003 |title=''Counter-Strike''-branded headset available |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/counter-strike-branded-headset-available/1100-6030344/ |access-date=March 18, 2025 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>

During the beta phase, the game underwent multiple updates, introducing new weapons and a completely redesigned interface based on Valve's VGUI2 technology.<ref name="updatehistory">{{Cite web |date= |title=Update History |url=http://www.steampowered.com:80/platform/update_history/counter-strike.html#:~:text=%5B%2D%5D-,09.09.03,-%2D%20(current%20release) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031002010107/http://www.steampowered.com:80/platform/update_history/counter-strike.html#:~:text=%5B%2D%5D-,09.09.03,-%2D%20(current%20release) |archive-date=October 2, 2003 |access-date=March 4, 2025 |website=[[Steam (service)|Steam]] |publisher=[[Valve Corporation]]}}</ref> Additionally, the official bot, developed by [[Turtle Rock Studios]] for ''[[Counter-Strike: Condition Zero]]'', was publicly tested within ''Counter-Strike 1.6'' from June 5.<ref name="updatehistory" /> After more than six months of public testing, the beta phase concluded on September 9, 2003.<ref name="updatehistory" /> The final release of ''Counter-Strike 1.6'' was initially scheduled for the following day, but last-minute changes to the Steam network caused a brief delay. The final version, along with the Steam client, was officially launched on September 12, 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Latest Steam News |url=http://www.steampowered.com:80/news.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030919014155/http://www.steampowered.com:80/news.htm |archive-date=September 19, 2003 |access-date=March 4, 2025 |website=[[Steam (service)|Steam]] |publisher=[[Valve Corporation]]}}</ref>

Following release, advertisements were brought to ''Counter-Strike''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robert |first=Matei |date=December 11, 2006 |title=''Counter-Strike'' to Be Filled with In-Game Advertisements |url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/Counter-Strike-To-Be-Filled-With-In-Game-Advertisements-42019.shtml |access-date=March 4, 2025 |website=[[Softpedia]]}}</ref> They were removed after the game was converted to the SteamPipe content delivery system.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 14, 2013 |title=''Counter-Strike 1.6'' update released |url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/10/view/2904214312357638787 |access-date=March 4, 2025 |website=[[Steam (service)|Steam]] |publisher=[[Valve Corporation]]}}</ref> Plans for ''Counter-Strike 1.7''—which aimed to merge the player bases of ''Counter-Strike'' and ''[[Condition Zero]]''—were never realized.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Sam |date=December 20, 2002 |title=''Counter-Strike: Condition Zero'' details |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/counterstrikeconditionzero/news_2907463.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030402062456/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/counterstrikeconditionzero/news_2907463.html |archive-date=April 2, 2003 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> In January 2013, Valve ported ''Counter-Strike'' onto [[OS X]] and [[Linux]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Otton |first=Andrew |date=July 10, 2017 |title=''Half-Life'' and ''Counter-Strike 1.6'' Receive Updates |url=https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/half-life-and-counter-strike-16-receive-updates |access-date=March 18, 2025 |website=TechRaptor}}</ref> It is the third Valve game to be ported to Linux, after ''[[Counter-Strike: Source]]'' and ''[[Team Fortress 2]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=McWhertor |first1=Michael |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/3/6/4072666/counter-strike-condition-zero-now-available-linux-steam |title=''Counter-Strike: Condition Zero'' now available for Linux on Steam |date=March 7, 2013 |access-date=March 12, 2025|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref>

===Controversy===
The game faced scrutiny in [[Germany]] after being linked to the [[Erfurt school massacre]] in 2002 after it was found on the computer of the perpetrator, Robert Steinhäuser. Politicians, including [[Günther Beckstein]], and media outlets, particularly [[Bild]], then regularly referred to the game as {{Lang|de|Killerspiel}} {{Gloss|killer game}}. Calls for banning violent video games intensified, with politicians like Beckstein advocating for penalties against players. Media outlets like Frontal 21 on [[ZDF]] often portrayed players negatively.<ref name="index">{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2010 |title=''Counter-Strike'' |url=https://www.schnittberichte.com/schnittbericht.php?ID=923471 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=Schnittberichte.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schmidt |first=Christian |date=June 23, 2009 |title=''Counter-Strike'': Ein "Killerspiel"? - Counter-Strike und die Verbotsdebatte |trans-title=''Counter-Strike'': A "Killer Game"? - ''Counter-Strike'' and the Ban Debate |url=https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/counter-strike-ein-killerspiel-counter-strike-und-die-verbotsdebatte,1956953.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129075727/https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/counter-strike-ein-killerspiel-counter-strike-und-die-verbotsdebatte,1956953.html |archive-date=November 29, 2017 |access-date=March 16, 2025 |website=[[GameStar]] |language=de |page=2}}</ref> In 2002, Germany's [[BPjM]] considered indexing ''Counter-Strike'' but ultimately rejected it, concluding that the game's objectives could be achieved without violence and that its communication aspects were beneficial. Chancellor [[Gerhard Schröder]] criticized the decision as irresponsible.<ref name="index" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Klös |first=Oliver |date=November 22, 2006 |title=Killerspiele - Die üblichen Verdächtigen |trans-title=Killer Games - The Usual Suspects |url=http://www.heute.de/ZDFheute/inhalt/23/0,3672,4078743,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070115020654/http://www.heute.de/ZDFheute/inhalt/23/0,3672,4078743,00.html |archive-date=January 15, 2007 |access-date=March 16, 2025 |website=[[ZDF]] |language=de}}</ref>

A Brazilian federal judge, Carlos Alberto Simões de Tomaz, ordered a ban on the sale of ''Counter-Strike'' and ''[[EverQuest]]'' in October 2007 arguing that the games "bring imminent stimulus to the subversion of the social order, attempting against the democratic state and the law and against public security".<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.kotaku.com.au/2008/01/brazilian_government_bans_counterstrike_everquest_fun-2/|title = Brazilian Government Bans ''Counter-Strike'', ''EverQuest'', Fun|date = January 19, 2008|access-date = April 1, 2014|website = [[Kotaku]] Australia|last = McWhertor|first = Michael|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140407070436/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2008/01/brazilian_government_bans_counterstrike_everquest_fun-2/|archive-date = April 7, 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/80757-Brazil-Bans-Counter-Strike-EverQuest|title = Brazil Bans ''Counter-Strike'', ''EverQuest''|date = January 21, 2008|access-date = April 1, 2014|website = [[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]|first = Andy|last = Chalk|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140407100734/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/80757-Brazil-Bans-Counter-Strike-EverQuest|archive-date = April 7, 2014|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.computerandvideogames.com/179980/banned-in-brazil-counter-strike-and-everquest/|title = Banned in Brazil: ''Counter-Strike'' and ''EverQuest''|date = January 21, 2008|access-date = April 1, 2014|website = [[Computer and Video Games]]|last = Bishop|first = Stuart|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141008114605/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/179980/banned-in-brazil-counter-strike-and-everquest/|archive-date = October 8, 2014|url-status = live}}</ref> The order began to be enforced on January 17, 2008, but [[Regional Federal Courts|regional federal court]] order lifting the prohibition on the sale of ''Counter-Strike'' was published on June 18, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 June 2009 |title=Justiça libera venda do game ''Counter-Strike'' no Brasil |trans-title=Courts release ''Counter-Strike'' game for sale in Brazil |url=http://g1.globo.com/Noticias/Games/0,,MUL1199747-9666,00-JUSTICA+LIBERA+VENDA+DO+GAME+COUNTERSTRIKE+NO+BRASIL.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006091104/http://g1.globo.com/Noticias/Games/0%2C%2CMUL1199747-9666%2C00-JUSTICA%2BLIBERA%2BVENDA%2BDO%2BGAME%2BCOUNTERSTRIKE%2BNO%2BBRASIL.html |archive-date=October 6, 2011 |website=[[G1 (website)|G1]] |language=pt}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = (PC) 89%<ref name="GameRankings">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/429818-counter-strike/index.html |title=''Counter-Strike'' for PC |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=January 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114044320/https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/429818-counter-strike/index.html |archive-date=January 14, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><br /> (Xbox) 73%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/561530-counter-strike/index.html |title=''Counter-Strike'' for Xbox |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=January 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114044335/https://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/561530-counter-strike/index.html |archive-date=January 14, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC = (PC) 88/100<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/counter-strike/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Counter-Strike'' for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=January 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821094811/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/half-life-counter-strike |archive-date=August 21, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />(Xbox) 74/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/counter-strike/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=''Counter-Strike'' for Xbox Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=January 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122000126/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/counter-strike |archive-date=January 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| CGM = 4.5/5<ref name="CGM Review" />
| EPD = 9/10<ref name="EPD Review">{{Cite web |last=Tilley |first=Steve |date=December 2, 2000 |title=''Counter-Strike'' (modification for Half-Life) |url=http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2043&full=1#mr_toppy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030130185541/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2043&full=1#mr_toppy |archive-date=January 30, 2003 |access-date=March 16, 2025 |website=[[EP Daily]]}}</ref>
| GameRev = (PC) A<ref name="GameRev" /><br/>(Xbox) 5/10<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2003 |title=Counter intuitive. Review |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/34257-counter-strike-review-2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731025910/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/34257-counter-strike-review-2 |archive-date=July 31, 2021 |access-date=March 19, 2025 |website=[[GameRevolution]]}}</ref>
| GI = (PC) 9.75/10<ref name="GameInf PC">{{Cite magazine |last=Brogger |first=Kristian |date=January 2001 |title=''Half-Life: Counter-Strike'' |url=https://archive.org/details/game-informer-issue-93-january-2001/page/130/mode/2up?q=half-life%3A+counter-strike |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |page=130 |volume=XI |issue=93}}</ref><br/>(Xbox) 7.5/10<ref name="GameInformer Xbox">{{Cite magazine |last=Kato |first=Matthew |title=''Counter-Strike'' Xbox Review |url=http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/AAEF809F-8509-48B7-8C5F-60FC8BAE26F4.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013012638/http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/AAEF809F-8509-48B7-8C5F-60FC8BAE26F4.htm |archive-date=October 13, 2007 |access-date=February 27, 2025 |url-status=dead |magazine=[[Game Informer]]}}</ref>
| GSpot = (PC) 8.4/10<ref name="GameSpot Review" /><br/> (Xbox) 7.2/10<ref name="GameSpot Xbox">{{Cite web |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |date=November 17, 2003 |title=''Counter-Strike'' Xbox Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/counter-strike-review/1900-6083702/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321235438/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/counter-strike-review/1900-6083702/ |archive-date=March 21, 2014 |access-date=February 27, 2025 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>
| GSpy = (PC) 80/100<ref name="GSpy Review">{{Cite web |last=Accardo |first=Sal |date= November 25, 2000 |title=''Counter-Strike'' |url=http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/november00/counterstrike/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020602065035/http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/november00/counterstrike/ |archive-date=June 2, 2002 |access-date=March 16, 2025 |website=[[GameSpy]]}}</ref><br/>(Xbox) 4/5<ref name="GSpy Xbox">{{Cite web |last=O'Donnell |first=Ryan |date=November 17, 2003 |title=''Counter-Strike'' |url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/counter-strike/6362p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040604070748/http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/counter-strike/6362p1.html |archive-date=June 4, 2004 |access-date=March 21, 2025 |website=[[GameSpy]]}}</ref>

| IGN = (PC) 8.9/10<ref name="IGN Review" /><br/>(Xbox) 6.8/10<ref name="IGN Xbox">{{Cite web |last=Boulding |first=Aaron |date=November 19, 2003 |title=''Counter-Strike'' Xbox |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/19/counter-strike |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823013411/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/19/counter-strike |archive-date=August 23, 2012 |access-date=February 27, 2025 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>
<!-- Awards -->| award1Pub = [[GameSpot]]
| award1 = PC Best and Worst of 2000:<br />
Best Multiplayer Game,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/bestof_2000/p2_12.html|title=GameSpot Presents: Best and Worst 2000|website=[[GameSpot]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010607083959/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/bestof_2000/p2_12.html | archive-date=June 7, 2001}}</ref><br />Action Game of the Year (Readers' Choice)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/bestof_2000_rc/p2.html|title=GameSpot Presents: Readers' Choice - Best and Worst 2000|website=[[GameSpot]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010618185239/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/bestof_2000_rc/p2.html | archive-date=June 18, 2001}}</ref>
| award2Pub = [[Golden Joystick Awards]]
| award2 = 2002 edition:<br />
Online Game of the Year<ref>{{cite web |author=Thomas |date=17 September 2002 |url=http://worthplaying.com/article/2002/9/17/news/5775/ |title=Golden Joystick Awards Is Announced |publisher=Worthplaying |access-date=17 September 2002}}</ref>
| award3Pub = [[Game Developers Choice Awards]]
| award3 = 2001 edition:<br />
Rookie Studio Award,<br />Best Innovation of the Year<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_1st.html |title=1st Annual Game Developers Choice Awards |publisher=[[Game Developers Conference]] |access-date=January 28, 2021}}</ref>
}}

===Player count===
''Counter-Strike'' became one of the most popular video games. During the beta stages, it garnered over 245,000 players.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2000 |title=Popular games for March 2000 |url=http://www.theclq.com/games.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000302034612/http://www.theclq.com/games.asp |archive-date=March 2, 2000 |access-date=March 3, 2025 |website=Champions League for Quake}}</ref> After its release in November 2000, the game reached a player count of over 700,000, who played on over 7,000 servers, surpassing both [[Team Fortress Classic]] and [[Unreal Tournament]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 14, 2000 |title=Popular games for October 2000 |url=http://www.theclq.com/games.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001016164115/http://www.theclq.com/games.asp |archive-date=October 16, 2000 |access-date=March 3, 2025 |website=Champions League for Quake}}</ref> In March 2002, ''Counter-Strike'' was the most popular multiplayer game across 150 [[game centers]] in North America.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Trey |date=April 23, 2002 |title=''Counter-Strike'' still the top multiplayer game |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/counter-strike-still-the-top-multiplayer-game/1100-2862428/ |access-date=March 18, 2025 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=}}</ref> ''Counter-Strike'' stayed at the top in June,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Trey |date=June 24, 2002 |title=''Allied Assault'' overtakes ''Diablo II'' |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/allied-assault-overtakes-diablo-ii/1100-2871939/ |access-date=March 18, 2025 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Calvert |first=Justin |date=July 23, 2002 |title=''Halo'' debuts on multiplayer popularity chart |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-debuts-on-multiplayer-popularity-chart/1100-2875346/ |access-date=March 18, 2025 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> July, and August.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Jason |date=September 16, 2002 |title=''Battlefield 1942'' demo beats ''Warcraft III'' at iGames |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-1942-demo-beats-warcraft-iii-at-igames/1100-2880412/ |access-date=March 18, 2025 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>

===Critical reception===
====PC reception====
Upon its retail release, ''Counter-Strike'' received highly favorable reviews.<ref name="CGM Review">{{Cite web |last1=Hiles |first1=Bill |date=December 26, 2000 |title=''Half-Life: Counter-Strike'' Review |url=http://www.cdmag.com/Home/home.html?article=/articles/031/069/halflife-co-r.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010612142304/http://www.cdmag.com/Home/home.html?article=/articles/031/069/halflife-co-r.html |archive-date=June 12, 2001 |access-date=February 27, 2025 |website=[[Computer Games Magazine]]}}</ref><ref name="GameRev">{{cite web |last=Dodson |first=Joe |date=January 1, 2001 |title=''Counter-Strike'' Review |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/counter-strike |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202180740/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/counter-strike |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |access-date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=[[Game Revolution]]}}</ref><ref name="IGN Review">{{Cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Clayton |date=November 22, 2000 |title=''Counter-Strike Review'' |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/23/counter-strike-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025152316/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/23/counter-strike-2 |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=April 1, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported that E-Sports Entertainment [[ESEA League]] started the first professional fantasy e-sports league in 2004 with the game ''Counter-Strike''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/05/magazine/05wwln_consumed.html|title=Double Fantasy |access-date=March 16, 2014 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date = February 5, 2006|last = Walker|first = Rob|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025044509/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/05/magazine/05wwln_consumed.html|archive-date = October 25, 2012|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sk-gaming.com/content/8354-ESEAs_Fantasy_ESports_League_Opens|title=ESEA's Fantasy E-Sports League Opens |access-date=March 16, 2014 |publisher=[[SK-Gaming]]|date = September 10, 2004|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131210235030/http://www.sk-gaming.com/content/8354-ESEAs_Fantasy_ESports_League_Opens|archive-date = December 10, 2013|url-status = live}}</ref> Some credit the move into professional competitive team play with prizes as a major factor in ''Counter-Strike''{{'s}} longevity and success.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.gameguru.in/pc/2010/10/counter-strike-success-unlimited/|title = Counter-Strike: Success Unlimited|access-date = March 16, 2014|publisher = [[GameGuru]]|date = April 10, 2010|last = Mehta|first = Prakash|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924020615/http://www.gameguru.in/pc/2010/10/counter-strike-success-unlimited/|archive-date = September 24, 2015|url-status = live}}</ref>

The game was praised by critics for its emphasis on teamwork and communication among players. Scott Osborne, writing for ''[[GameSpot]]'', felt that the audio messages were a decent feature, which covered requests for backup, status reports and warnings. One problem, according to him, was that both teams used the same voice.<ref name="GameSpot Review">{{Cite web |last=Osborne |first=Scott |date=November 27, 2000 |title=''Half-Life: Counter-Strike'' Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/half-life-counter-strike-review/1900-2657769/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140401230830/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/half-life-counter-strike-review/1900-2657769/ |archive-date=April 1, 2014 |access-date=April 1, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> Clayton Wolfe of ''[[IGN]]'' expressed the importance of teamwork and stating, "It's the team-based tactics that make [''Counter-Strike''] so fun."<ref name="IGN Review" /> ''[[Computer Games Magazine]]''{{'}}s Bill Hiles also commented about the social aspects of the game, saying that a player should work in teams rather than alone.<ref name="CGM Review" /> Joe Dodson for ''[[GameRevolution]]'' wrote that "Nothing can beat a coordinated, experienced team in [''Counter-Strike''], except an even more coordinated and experienced team." He also found the team talk favorable.<ref name="GameRev" />

Most reviewers agreed that the [[GoldSrc|GoldSrc engine]] felt dated,<ref name="GameSpot Review" /><ref name="IGN Review" /> but still praised the graphics. Hiles commented that the visuals were acceptable and "do an admirable job portraying outdoor locations",<ref name="CGM Review" /> while Dodson noted the graphics were identical to ''Half-Life''.<ref name="GameRev" /> According to Osborne, the game's maps had "imaginative texturing and dramatic lighting effects", but pointed out that they were too dark sometimes.<ref name="GameSpot Review" /> Wolfe felt that the environmental textures were realistic enough.<ref name="IGN Review" />

Critics appreciated the realistic weapon sound effects, with Osborne writing that they made guns "viscerally fun to shoot".<ref name="GameSpot Review" /> Wolfe agreed, but wished "the same amount of attention to detail was given to the rest of the sound in the game". He felt that the crashing thunder was flat and pointed out that footsteps didn't vary based on the surface being walked on.<ref name="IGN Review" /> Dodson felt that the animations were dated, but were "nothing to scoff at".<ref name="GameRev" /> Hiles commented that the character model animations needed improvement.<ref name="CGM Review" />

====Xbox reception====
The Xbox edition received mixed reviews from critics in comparison to the original game. On the topic of graphics, Matthew Kato from ''[[Game Informer]]'' wrote that there were "graphical updates here and there" and mentioned the game's inclusion of weather.<ref name="GameInformer Xbox" /> [[Greg Kasavin]] of ''GameSpot'' felt that the visuals weren't extraordinary and not enough to make the game "good-looking".<ref name="GameSpot Xbox" /> ''IGN''<nowiki/>'s Aaron Boulding mentioned that they were "the biggest disappointment". He commented that the environments were noteworthy in design, but "not in their overall look and level of detail".<ref name="IGN Xbox" />

The [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] technology was a surplus for the Xbox edition, because of critics praising for its human-like behavior. Kato mentioned that the bot AI contained some "human-esque traits" and that it would start to understand the map after some rounds.<ref name="GameInformer Xbox" /> Kasavin found it surprising that the bots weren't following real-life tactics of terrorists or counter-terrorists, but rather mimic the actions of a player.<ref name="GameSpot Xbox" /> He pointed out that they would [[Camping (video games)|camp]] at a certain place and follow the orders of a player, such as following them or holding a position.<ref name="GameSpot Xbox" />

Many critics also highlighted [[Xbox Live]] as one of the main reasons to purchase the game. Kasavin noted that it runs properly, with hosted matches able to hold 10 players.<ref name="GameSpot Xbox" /> Boulding expressed that "online play over Xbox Live is going to be the greatest reason to buy this game" and that it's convenient.<ref name="IGN Xbox" /> While Xbox Live for Xbox games was terminated in 2010, ''Counter Strike'' is playable online on the revival online servers called [[Insignia (Xbox)|Insignia]] which has restored online functionality to original Xbox games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Xbox |first=Pure |date=2023-11-16 |title=Xbox Live 1.0 Replacement 'Insignia' Now Supports 150 Games |url=https://www.purexbox.com/news/2023/11/xbox-live-1-0-replacement-insignia-now-supports-150-games |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=Pure Xbox |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Awards===
''Counter-Strike'' earned numerous accolades on its release. In 2000, it was recognized by many gaming magazines and websites as Game of the Year, Action Game of the Year, or Online Game of the Year. The game also won 2 reader polls for Game of the Year from GameSpot US and VoodooExtreme readers. At the Game Developer 2001 Spotlight Awards, ''Counter-Strike'' was named Best Multiplayer Game and received a Special Achievement in Gaming.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Awards and Honors |url=http://www.valvesoftware.com/awards.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013052740/http://www.valvesoftware.com/awards.html |archive-date=October 13, 2007 |access-date=March 3, 2025 |website=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]}}</ref><!-- We really need secondary sources for these awards. I can't verify the two Spotlight awards. But the game did win 2 different awards from GDC in 2000 not 2001 so im not sure whats up. -->

In 2003, ''Counter-Strike'' was inducted into [[GameSpot]]'s greatest games of all-time list.<ref name="Gamespot">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/greatestgames/p-12.html|title=The Greatest Games of All Time: ''Counter-Strike''|website=[[GameSpot]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012131015/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/greatestgames/p-12.html | archive-date=October 12, 2007}}</ref>

===Sales===
''Counter-Strike'' became the first fan-made video game to be released commercially.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Laukkanen |first=Tero |url=http://archive.org/details/Modding-scenes-introduction-user-created-content |title=Modding Scenes: Introduction to User-Created Content in Computer Gaming |date=October 2005 |publisher=[[University of Tampere]] |isbn=951-44-6448-6 |pages=12 |issn=1458-9974}}</ref> By July 2001, global retail sales of the game had surpassed 250,000 units.<ref name="cgwsales2">{{Cite magazine |last=Price |first=Tom |title=Army of One |issue=204 |date=July 2001 |pages=50–55 |magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] }}</ref> By October 2002, sales had exceeded 1.3 million copies.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dyson |first=Esther |url=http://archive.org/details/release-1.0-10-02 |title=Harnessing the Hive: How Online Games Drive Networked Innovation |date=October 18, 2002 |publisher=Edventure |pages=8}}</ref> Sales continued to rise, reaching 1.5 million units and generating $40 million in revenue by February 2003.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Slangle |first=Matt |title=Modder-Day Adventures |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86017268/lansing-state-journal/ |newspaper=[[Lansing State Journal]] |page=20 |date=February 25, 2003 |access-date=September 27, 2021 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

By August 2004, ''Counter-Strike'' had grossed $75 million in revenue and had an estimated two million players worldwide.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Movies - Vivendi Steps Up Presence in the Philippines |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O1o1AAAAIBAJ&dq=counter-strike&pg=PA49&article_id=1486,17927301 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |pages=49}}</ref> In the United States, its retail version sold 550,000 copies and earned $15.7 million by August 2006, making it the 22nd best-selling PC game in the country between January 2000 and August 2006.<ref name="edgesales">{{Cite magazine |last=Edge Staff |title=The Top 100 PC Games of the 21st Century |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-100-pc-games-21st-century/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017165955/http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-100-pc-games-21st-century/ |date=August 25, 2006 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Xbox version of the game sold 1.5 million copies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Remo |first=Chris |date=December 3, 2008 |title=Analysis: Valve's Lifetime Retail Sales for ''Half-Life'', ''Counter-Strike'' Franchises |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=21319 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013124733/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=21319 |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |website=[[Gamasutra]]}}</ref>

As of December 2008, ''Counter-Strike'' had sold approximately 4.2 million copies, surpassing all other Valve games except ''[[Half-Life (video game)|Half-Life]]'' and ''[[Half-Life 2]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Faylor |first=Chris |date=December 3, 2008 |title=Valve Reveals Lifetime Retail Sales of Half-Life, Counter-Strike Series |url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/56193/valve-reveals-lifetime-retail-sales |work=[[Shacknews]] |access-date=October 4, 2017}}</ref>

A portion of ''Half-Life'' sales is often attributed to ''Counter-Strike'' since the game was originally available as a modification of ''Half-Life''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Remo |first=Chris |date=December 3, 2008 |title=Analysis: Valve's Lifetime Retail Sales for ''Half-Life'', ''Counter-Strike'' Franchises |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112269/Analysis_Valves_Lifetime_Retail_Sales_For_HalfLife_CounterStrike_Franchises.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510172544/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112269/Analysis_Valves_Lifetime_Retail_Sales_For_HalfLife_CounterStrike_Franchises.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 10, 2012 |website=Gamasutra |access-date=October 4, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Laukkanen |first=Tero |url=http://archive.org/details/Modding-scenes-introduction-user-created-content |title=Modding Scenes: Introduction to User-Created Content in Computer Gaming |date=October 2005 |publisher=[[University of Tampere]] |isbn=951-44-6448-6 |pages=61 |issn=1458-9974}}</ref> ''Half-Life'' experienced an unusual increase in sales year-over-year following its release, which [[Gabe Newell]] attributed to the popularity of ''Counter-Strike''. He described the release of the mod as one of the best things that could have happened to ''Half-Life''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Keighley |first=Geoff |date=October 2002 |title=Game Development à la Mod |url=http://www.business2.com/articles/mag/0,1640,43489,FF.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20021014231757/http://www.business2.com/articles/mag/0,1640,43489,FF.html |archive-date=October 14, 2002 |access-date=October 4, 2017 |work=[[Business 2.0]]}}</ref>

==Competitive play==
{{main|Counter-Strike in esports}}

The original ''Counter-Strike'' has been played in competitive tournaments since 2000, with the first major event taking place at the [[Cyberathlete Professional League]] (CPL) Winter Championship in 2001.<ref name="espo_Espo">{{Cite web| title = Esports Essentials: The Impact of the ''Counter-Strike'' Majors| author = Mitchell, Ferguson| work = The Esports Observer| date = 2018-09-19| access-date = 27 December 2019| url = https://esportsobserver.com/esports-essentials-counter-strike-majors/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191227200121/https://esportsobserver.com/esports-essentials-counter-strike-majors/ | archive-date = December 27, 2019}}</ref><ref name="blog_AneS">{{Cite web| title = An eSports phenomenon: ''Counter-Strike''| author = Llewellyn, Thomas| work = National Science and Media Museum| date = 2018-09-17| access-date = 27 December 2019| url = https://blog.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/counter-strike-esports/}}</ref> The CPL announced a transition from ''[[Quake III Arena]]'' to ''Counter-Strike'' for the Winter Championship. Prior to this, the 2000 Babbage's event featured a Counter-Strike competition sponsored by Kärna, the parent company of [[Razer Inc.|Razer]], offering a $15,000 prize pool. However, Kärna experienced financial difficulties, leading to delays in prize payouts. On March 14, 2001, the CPL issued a statement confirming that alternative arrangements would be made if the payments were not received by April 2, 2001.<ref name="CPL1">{{Cite web |title=History of the CPL - Part IV |url=http://www.thecpl.com/gamers/?p=art_cplhistoryptV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061120001202/http://www.thecpl.com/gamers/?p=art_cplhistoryptV |archive-date=November 20, 2006 |website=Cyberathlete Professional League |access-date=February 28, 2025}}</ref>

[[File:Cplwinter2001.jpg|thumb|2001 Winter [[Cyberathlete Professional League|CPL]] ''Counter-Strike'' tournament in [[Dallas, Texas]]]]

On April 12, 2001, the CPL Winter Championship commenced at the [[Hyatt Regency Dallas|Hyatt Regency]] in [[Dallas]], [[Texas]]. The event featured 48 competing teams, marking the first large-scale ''Counter-Strike'' tournament. The competition attracted over 800 attendees, including participants and [[Bring Your Own Computer]] (BYOC) players. Many professional ''Quake'' players were notably absent, while the ''Counter-Strike'' community saw an influx of new competitors. This tournament was the largest ''Counter-Strike'' event at the time and contributed to the game's rise in professional esports.<ref name="CPL2">{{Cite web |title=History of the CPL - Part V |url=http://www.thecpl.com/gamers/?p=art_cplhistoryptV2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061120002054/http://www.thecpl.com/gamers/?p=art_cplhistoryptV2 |archive-date=November 20, 2006 |website=Cyberathlete Professional League |access-date= February 28, 2025}}</ref>

In 2003, the [[Esports World Convention]] hosted a ''Counter-Strike'' tournament which featured 37 teams competing for a $100,000 prize pool.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Electronic Sports World Cup |url=http://www.esworldcup.com/2003/main.php?act=tournaments&show=worldcup&tournoi_id=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060719140654/http://www.esworldcup.com/2003/main.php?act=tournaments&show=worldcup&tournoi_id=1 |archive-date=July 19, 2006 |website=Electronic Sports World Cup 2003}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=March 2025}}

In 2012, the [[Electronic Sports League]] removed the game from the main titles for the 2012–2013 [[Intel Extreme Masters]] due to its decreasing popularity outside of [[Europe]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blicharz |first=Michał |date=June 14, 2012 |title=''Counter-Strike'' off the main titles list in upcoming season |url=http://www.esl-world.net/masters/news/196142/Counter-Strike-off-the-main-titles-list-in-upcoming-season/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620080511/http://www.esl-world.net/masters/news/196142/Counter-Strike-off-the-main-titles-list-in-upcoming-season/ |archive-date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |website=ESL World}}</ref>

==Sequels==
{{Main|Counter-Strike}}
Following the success of ''Counter-Strike'', Valve went on to make multiple sequels. The first sequel, ''[[Counter-Strike: Condition Zero]]'', which used ''Counter-Strike''{{'}}s [[GoldSrc]] engine, was released in 2004. ''[[Counter-Strike: Source]]'', a remake of the original ''Counter-Strike'', was the first in the series to use Valve's [[Source (game engine)|Source engine]] and was also released in 2004, eight months after the release of ''Condition Zero''. The next game in the ''Counter-Strike'' series was ''[[Counter-Strike: Global Offensive]]'', released for Windows, OS X, Linux, [[PlayStation 3]], and [[Xbox 360]] in 2012. ''[[Counter-Strike 2]]'', an updated version of ''Global Offensive'', was released in 2023.

The game spawned multiple spin-offs for the Asian gaming market. The first, ''Counter-Strike Neo'', was an arcade game developed by [[Namco]] and released in Japan in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ledzone.com/ |url-access= |title=プログラマー急募 |trans-title=Urgent recruitment of programmers |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=June 10, 2003 |website=LEDZONE |publisher= |language=Japanese |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030611025434/http://www.ledzone.com/ |archive-date=June 11, 2003 }}</ref> In 2008, [[Nexon Corporation]] released ''[[Counter-Strike Online]]'', a free-to-play installment in the series monetized via [[microtransaction]]s. ''Counter-Strike Online'' was followed by ''[[Counter-Strike Online 2]]'' in 2013. In 2014, Nexon released ''[[Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies]]'' worldwide via [[Steam (service)|Steam]].

==See also==
* [[List of video games derived from modifications]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Creative Commons text attribution notice|cc=by3|url=https://counterstrike.fandom.com/wiki/Counter-Strike_Beta|authors=}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
* {{Cite book |last=Hodgson |first=David |url=https://archive.org/details/HalfLife2RaisingTheBarUncorrectedProof/page/n107/mode/2up |title=Half Life 2: Raising The Bar Uncorrected Proof |date=October 2004 |publisher=Prima Games |isbn=0-7615-4364-3 |location=United States}}
* {{Cite book |author1=Valve Corporation |author2=Sierra Studios |url=https://archive.org/details/counter-strike-manual/page/n9/mode/2up |title=Half-Life Counter-Strike Manual |publisher=Sierra |publication-date=2000}}

{{Counter-Strike series}}
{{Valve}}
{{Professional Counter-Strike competition}}
{{GoldSrc modifications}}

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