The CD-ROM Factor:

Not everyone is ready for download-only software purchases. People are usually reassured when they receive a CD or DVD-ROM along with an install guide and manual, rather than getting nothing but a compressed file and URL link. As I write this article, Steam download is the only method by which you can purchase CS:S. Come November 16, when the full HL2 retail release becomes available, including CS:S, those who were dubious about a Steam-only download will be able to get that optical disk that gives them so much comfort. When this happens, we may see an increase in sales of CS:S as the current download-only situation may be partially responsible for the under whelming excitement seen so far with respect to CS:S.


The Community’s Attachment to CS

Having left Counter-strike for Call of Duty and other games, I came to the conclusion that CS has superior game play to that offered by any of the other games on the market today. Other games lack the objective-based style and money system that separates CS from the almost every other first person shooter. After a six-month period without CS, I heard of the imminent release of CS:S and switched back. It remains the only game that has captivated my attention for the long haul. CS:S is the reason some like myself have returned to the CS community, as it will dramatically improve play in both the public servers and the competitive arena.


Conclusions

I expect to see Valve correct some of the things that are keeping back CS:S right now, namely through the implementation of VAC, the addition of more maps, and possibly by providing a game backup capability allowing people to burn that "security blanket" DVD-ROM. Over time an even larger percentage of the community will have the hardware necessary to run CS:S well. Sponsors like ATI, nVidia, Intel, and AMD will make it attractive for WCG, CPL/CAL, ESWC and other large LANs to run CS:S tournaments instead of CS 1.6 as until then the professional gaming clans will not even consider CS:S.

While CS:S may not yet be as complete a replacement for CS:S 1.6 as we would have liked or expected, don't count CS:S out. Counter-Strike itself wasn't taken up by its current fan base of hundreds of thousands of gamers overnight. It took time. It took years. CS:S is the evolution of Counter-Strike, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.