After days of speculations and leaked codes references, Valve finally admitted the worst kept secret of 2023 for them so far, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive sequel as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive 2 is official and coming this year.

Slated with a Summer 2023 release, Valve announced Counter-Strike: Global Offensive 2 as a brand-new game that will be a free upgrade to CS:GO, and all of players' CS:GO items will transfer over to the new iteration of Counter-Strike.

This could mean that the original game could get a server cut in favor of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive 2, most likely the case of Overwatch 2 and the sunset of the original Overwatch.

Valve confirmed that the game will be based on the Source 2 Engine. 

The Leveling up the World presentation showed off the upgraded maps and graphic overhauls, Moving Beyond Tick Rate announced that tick rate will no longer matter (moving and shooting will be "equally responsive"), and Responsive Smokes detailed the new "dynamic volumetric" nature of smoke grenades.

Community map makers will also be able to use Source 2, including a Source 2 Item Workshop available to try out during the Limited Testing period.

Players interested in trying the game, should expect an invitation from Valve which will be a variable that will depend on metrics like recent playtime and Steam account standing, and no ordinary way to request directly to Valve.