Alright, BGMI fanatics, listen up! The hype train is officially leaving the station for the next big thing: the BGMI 3.8 update! Ever since we got our hands on the awesome 3.7 update, with the massive Rondo map and the treasure-filled Golden Dynasty mode, everyone’s been itching to know what Krafton has cooking for us next. Based on the whispers we’re hearing and some sneaky leaks popping up, here’s the lowdown on what we might see in the upcoming BGMI 3.8 update.
So, when is this update dropping? Let’s speculate!
Krafton usually sticks to a pretty reliable two-month schedule for their big BGMI updates. Since the 3.7 update went live in early March 2025, all eyes are pointing towards a mid-May release for version 3.8. Our sources at Inside Sport India even suggest a potential launch around May 8th, 2025, which totally fits with Krafton’s pattern of keeping things fresh every couple of months. Of course, it’s not official until Krafton says so, but if you’re an Android user, keep an eye out between roughly 6:30 AM and 11:30 AM IST on that day—iOS users might have to wait just a little bit longer.
What cool stuff can we expect in BGMI 3.8?
Get ready for a brand new themed mode!
You know how it goes—every major BGMI update drops with a unique themed mode, and we’re betting 3.8 will be no different! Leaks are hinting at a fresh gameplay experience with some innovative mechanics and, of course, some sweet exclusive rewards to snag. While the exact details are still under wraps, it’s likely this new mode will build on the success of past favorites like Golden Dynasty, giving us all new ways to jump into the action.
The A13 Royale Pass is probably on its way!
Yep, you guessed it! The BGMI 3.8 update is heavily rumored to bring the A13 Royale Pass, packed to the brim with shiny new cosmetic items, emotes to spam, and awesome character skins. This pass is always a hit for players who love to customize their avatars and show off their unique style on the battlefield with fresh designs and exclusive unlockables.
Happy 3rd anniversary, BGMI!
Mark your calendars! It looks like the BGMI 3.8 update will likely coincide with the game’s 3rd anniversary—that’s a big one! Players can probably expect some special themed events, fun in-game activities to participate in, and maybe even some free goodies as a thank you from Krafton for all the love and support over the years. The anniversary hype is already building in the community, with everyone buzzing about what kind of grand celebrations Krafton might have planned.
Smoother gameplay and more polish? Yes, please!
Optimizations are always a welcome addition to BGMI updates, and we’re hoping 3.8 will bring even more refinements to the game’s performance. We could see bug fixes squashed, smoother gameplay mechanics implemented, and maybe even some visual improvements to make the game look even better while keeping things running smoothly.
What’s the community saying?
The BGMI community is absolutely buzzing with excitement, eagerly waiting for official details from Krafton. Forums and social media are flooded with player predictions and wishlists for the 3.8 update. The success of the 3.7 update has definitely raised the bar, and players are hyped for what could be another massive milestone for BGMI with version 3.8. Keep your eyes peeled, folks! We’ll be sure to bring you all the official updates as soon as Krafton drops them in the coming weeks!
Indian esports powerhouse, S8UL, has just hit another incredible milestone! They’ve officially been selected as one of the club partners for the prestigious Esports World Cup 2025! This is massive news that really cements S8UL’s position as a major player on the global esports stage and shows their unwavering dedication to boosting the esports culture right here in India.
The Esports World Cup Foundation’s (EWCF) Club Partner Program is getting even bigger and better for 2025, now bringing together 40 top esports organizations from around the world – that’s up from 30 in previous years! This expansion is fueled by a significant $20 million investment, all aimed at creating a thriving and sustainable esports ecosystem globally. And guess what? S8UL is right there in the mix! Along with the other selected clubs, they’ll be getting some serious six-figure funding to help them grow their brand and connect with even more fans across the globe.
This isn’t just about winning tournaments, though. The initiative also puts a big focus on getting fans involved and creating awesome content that goes beyond just the games themselves. Clubs are expected to have a strong history of success across different esports titles and keep their social media buzzing with engaging content. The idea is to keep fans hyped all year round, leading up to the Esports World Cup, which will ultimately strengthen the community and make these clubs even more popular.
For S8UL, this partnership is a golden opportunity to take their already massive reach and influence in the Indian gaming community and showcase it to a worldwide audience. It’s also going to allow them to invest even more in their players and their infrastructure, making sure they stay at the very top of the competitive esports scene. The program is also encouraging clubs to create engaging content that really shows off the personalities and stories of their players, which will no doubt make them even more appealing to fans everywhere.
The Esports World Cup 2025 is all set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and it’s shaping up to be an absolutely epic event! Top clubs will be battling it out for some serious prize money across a whole range of different games. This event isn’t just about the top-tier competition; it’s also a celebration of the amazing culture and community that esports has built over the years. And as an official Club Partner, S8UL is now in a prime position to play a crucial role in this grand celebration of esports! Let’s go, S8UL!
Battlegrounds Mobile India Series 2025— BGIS 2025 is advancing to its quarter-final stage, which is all set to take place from 20th to 23rd March. This phase will see 64 teams, 56 from Round 4 and 8 from The Grind Week 4, compete across 24 matches on the Erangel, Sanhok, and Miramar maps. The top 16 teams from this stage will advance to Semi Finals Week 1. The remaining 48 teams will enter the Wild Card stage.
All Qualified Teams for BGIS 2025 Quarter Finals
Following are all 64 teams qualified for BGIS 2025 Quarter Finals:
Group A:
Likitha Esports
Gujarat Tigers
AKZ
IIT
Reckoning Esports
Altitude
Troye
SOA
DCLW
Vasista Esports
Hyderabad Hydras
DSL
Medal Esports
Raven Esports
ARRC
FS Esports
Group B:
4Merical Esports
Just Jelly
AIB
Autobotz
H4K
New Champions
RES
Bot Army
BLITZ
4Everx
Team 8Bit
REMP
Team Soul
GalaxyxReborn
Halo
TWOB
Group C:
Jaguar
Team Tamilas
ACEO
Revenant XSpark
TMM
Orangutan
GodLike Esports
Eggy
Rivals Ape X
THW
NRI
GODSGIVEN
DOD
Alibaba Raiders
ARC
SES
Group D:
4TR
WBG
Cincinnati Kids
Phoenix
K9 Squad
Team Versatile
4Barriers
Genesis Esports
Gods Reign
BO7S
2OP
Team VST
WindGod
M4
NVS
SWE
Upcoming BGIS 2025 Phases
Following the BGIS 2025 Quarter Finals, the tournament will reach its end stage. The Wild Card week, which will take place between 24th and 27th March, will feature 48 teams from the Quarter Finals, competing for 16 spots in Semi Finals Week 1. This week will take place from 29th March to 1st April, where the top 8 teams will directly qualify for the Grand Finals, while the remaining 24 teams will proceed to Semi-Finals Week 2, which will take place between 3rd and 6th April, for another opportunity to get one of 8 spots in the final. The Grand Finals, which will take place between 25th to 27th April, will mark the culmination of the tournament when the top 16 teams will battle it out for the coveted BGIS 2025 title.
Stay ahead in the world of esports with the TalkEsport app! Download now to get instant access to the latest news, live points tables, comprehensive esports calendars, and live streams of your favorite tournaments. Don’t miss out—get the app today.
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) just dropped some HUGE news, officially announcing the 40 teams that are joining their Club Partner Program for 2025. This is a big deal, set to seriously level up the Esports World Cup (EWC) happening later this year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The reveal happened today, March 17th, 2025, and this program is all about giving some serious love to the participating organizations, aiming to help them grow while hyping up the summer event. With a massive $20 million prize pool dedicated to this program, these selected teams are poised to make a real splash on the global esports stage.
What’s the Deal with the Esports World Cup Club Partner Program?
Think of the EWCF Club Partner Program as a way to bring the top esports organizations right into the heart of the EWC vision. These 40 teams – chosen from nearly 200 applicants, which is insane! – are going to be helping promote the event through awesome content and marketing efforts.
And what do they get in return? Some serious financial and operational support to help their brands grow and even branch out into new competitive games. The program includes 32 brand-new teams who just got selected, plus the top eight from the 2024 Club Championship, so it’s a mix of fresh faces and established powerhouses.
Show Me the Money! Incentives for the Lucky 40
Each of these 40 participating teams can potentially snag up to a cool $1 million in funding! This isn’t just a handout, though; it’s tailored to their performance and how engaged they are with the program. This financial boost can be used to expand their brand, create killer content campaigns, and even help them jump into new esports titles.
But wait, there’s more! On top of that base funding, teams can earn extra rewards through merit-based activities, like completing special “bounties” and running promotional campaigns leading up to EWC 2025. The goal here is to really strengthen these teams’ presence both in their home regions and on the international stage.
Who Made the Cut? Some Seriously Big Names!
Among the 40 teams, you’ll spot some absolute titans of the esports world, like Team Liquid, Fnatic, and T1. But it’s not just the usual suspects; there are also some rising stars from regions like China, where a whopping six out of their 20 applicants made it into the program! This diverse lineup really shows the program’s global reach and its commitment to supporting talent from all over the world.
The Veterans: Back for Another Round!
What’s even cooler is that eight of these spots were direct invites, going to the absolute top-ranked teams from last year’s Esports World Cup!
100 Thieves
Cloud9
FaZe Clan
Fnatic
FURIA Esports
G2 Esports
Gaimin Gladiators
Gen.G Esports
Karmine Corp
Movistar KOI
LOUD
NAVI (Natus Vincere)
Team Liquid
Team Falcons
Team Secret
Team Vitality
Twisted Minds
Virtus.pro
Weibo Gaming
T1
Fresh Faces for 2025
All Gamers
Bilibili Gaming
Edward Gaming
EVOS
Gentle Mates
HEROIC
JD Gaming
LEVIATAN
MOUZ
NIP.eStar
ONIC
POWR
REJECT
S8UL
Sentinels
Team BDS
Team RRQ
Team Spirit
Wolves Esports
ZETA DIVISION
Farewell for Now: Orgs Not in the 2025 Lineup
Guild Esports
OG
NRG Esports
Spacestation Gaming
Blacklist International
LGD Gaming
Talon Esports
What’s Next for the Esports World Cup 2025?
The Esports World Cup 2025 is set to be a landmark event, taking place this summer in Riyadh. We already know that Crossfire is locked in as one of the featured games thanks to a three-year partnership, and we can expect more title announcements coming soon.
The Club Partner Program is making sure that these 40 teams are going to play a major role in building up the hype and delivering some truly world-class competition. Get ready for an epic summer of esports!
Vitality are the winner of ESL Pro League Season 21, obliterating MOUZ in what can arguably be labelled as their most dominant performance in a Grand Finals. Winning the series 3-0, Vitality are undoubtedly the best team in the world.
Freshly minted lurker Robin ‘ropz’ Kool bagging the MVP shows that he has found his form after having left FaZe for Vitality. Signed to replace Sphinx, ropz has turned them into clear favorites for the upcoming tournaments.
MOUZ started Dust2 with a pistol round win, but Vitality managed to convert the force buy. The force buy conversion shifted the momentum in favour of Vitality, leading them to dominate in the first half. MOUZ, with much trouble, managed only 3 rounds, leaving them with little room for a comeback in the second half. Despite starting their offence with a win, MOUZ quickly lost control of the game as the guns came out. With a little back and forth, Vitality managed to close out the map in dominant fashion. With 21 frags to his name, flameZ managed to pull Vitality ahead in the tie early on.
Map 2: Nuke; Pick: MOUZ; Winner: Vitality;
Nuke being a strong map for MOUZ, Vitality did not let them dictate the pace of the game. Starting strong, Vitality replicated the scoreline from the first map, winning 9 rounds on the CT side of Nuke. With rounds few and far between, MOUZ managed only 3 rounds in the first half. Coming into the second half, MOUZ had a little hope for a comeback, given Nuke is CT-sided, but Vitality ran all over them with fast-paced offensive rounds. Only managing to win one round on the CT side, MOUZ could not stop Vitality from winning the game with an even more dominant scoreline. While ZyWoo was the highest rated player, ropz managed to provide impact all across the map with his dynamic rifling with an IR of 1.54, bagging 17 kills.
Map 3: Inferno; Pick: Vitality; Winner: Vitality;
MOUZ converted the pistol, but Vitality’s deagles were too strong in the force buy as they quickly levelled the scoreline. Vitality managed to put together a string of rounds going 9-1 up before MOUZ could get back on the board again. Winning the final few rounds, Vitality managed to switch the half with a 9-3 scoreline. Once on the CT side, Vitality let loose, knowing that they had the map in the bag. A bit of back and forth as Vitality took their sweet time in closing out the series, winning their second premier CS2 tournament of 2025.
MOUZ’s roster has come under a lot of fire for not being able to perform with a crowd present, and this loss will only add to that. While Cluj-Napoca was a little glimmer of success for them, they only managed it without the apex predators present. Their performance leading up to the Finals was highly admirable, and this experience will certainly forge the team into strong contenders for the next tournament.
MOUZ has stunned Team Spirit to book their spot in the ESL Pro League Season 21 Grand Finals. After their big win in Cluj, MOUZ will have the shot to bring home another premier trophy. Beating Spirit, MOUZ has successfully demonstrated their firepower and tactical prowess, and both these things will be key to walking into the grand finals.
MOUZ’s insane start to the game saw them dominate Spirit and go 0-8 on the offensive side of Nuke. Donk, being completely neutralized in the first half, gave Spirit a little hope by the end of the first half. Spirit got off to a blistering start that saw the lead cut down slowly. While MOUZ managed to fight back, it wasn’t enough to keep Spirit at bay as they pushed the game to OT. A bit of back-and-forth between the two sides saw MOUZ edging out the Spirit to bring it home. torzsi’s AWPing became instrumental in closing out the game, especially in the final round with a clutch out the map.
Map 2: Dust2; Pick: MOUZ; Winner: MOUZ;
The hard-earned victory on Nuke had MOUZ taking their foot off the gas as they only managed two rounds in the first half. donk and sh1ro were quick to get their offence going as they completely controlled the momentum on the offence of D2. With little hope, MOUZ started their offence with a pistol round conversion. The lead Spirit mustered up in the first half was too much for MOUZ to handle, as they failed to mount a comeback. A donk-powered performance let Spirit close with a 13-7 scoreline.
Map 3: Ancient; Pick: Decider; Winner: MOUZ;
MOUZ flexing their dominance kicked the game off, going 8-1 up before Spirit pulled in a few rounds by the end of the first half. Closing the half with an 8-4 scoreline, MOUZ seemed to lose control of the game. A bit of back-and-forth saw Spirit close down the lead before MOUZ managed to put a few rounds together by the end of the game to win the map. With an IR of 1.61, xertioN managed to overpower donk, who tried his best to keep the game competitive.
This is a shocking result for Spirit, as anything less than a tournament win would be considered an upset. With the best player in the world on their side, Spirit will find this a tough exit as MOUZ bag one more portfolio victory.
The Indian gaming space has been on a meteoric rise since the past decade, and top global publishers are taking notice. One such gaming giant is KONAMI, which has kicked off an ambitious Holi-themed eFootballTMcampaign to deepen its roots in the Indian scene. With gaming influencer Jonathan as brand ambassador, an in-game tie-up with football star Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and a series of community-centric events, KONAMI is walking the right path for an exciting foray into the country.
We had an opportunity to interview the KONAMI team to have a look at their vision of India, where they are going strategically, and what the future holds for eFootballTM in India.
What made KONAMI decide to put so much focus on the Indian gaming scene with this eFootballTM campaign? What did you see here that stood out?
We wanted to better understand the Indian gaming community, and the Holi campaign presented a great opportunity to engage with players in a way that felt meaningful and authentic. By working closely with our local partners, we are able to explore India’s gaming culture, identify key trends, and create a campaign that hopefully resonates with the country’s gaming culture. Through this initiative, we aimed to build stronger connections with Indian players, support the growth of the gaming scene, and reinforce KONAMI’s commitment to engaging with diverse gaming communities worldwide.
KONAMI’s focus on the Indian gaming scene through the eFootballTM Holi campaign taps into India’s growing gaming community and football passion. By collaborating with stars like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Jonathan Gaming and other talented influencers, and featuring cultural relevance with Holi, the campaign fosters community engagement, offers competitive events, and creates a culturally resonant experience for Indian players. India has rich culture, a massive gaming community, and a tech savvy young population, it was the perfect blend for us to give eFootballTM a push in the sub-continent.
Jonathan seems like a big part of this campaign. Why pick him as the eFootballTM brand ambassador in India? How does he help connect with players?
Jonathan was selected as eFootballTM’s brand ambassador in India for his deep ties to the gaming community. As a popular content creator, esports enthusiast, and passionate football fan, he connects with young players, enhancing engagement and authenticity. His influence bridges the gap between casual and competitive gamers, making eFootballTM more accessible and exciting for Indian audiences.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is a huge football star here. How do you get him onboard? And how will his in-game card get Indian football fans hyped about eFootballTM?
Getting Gurpreet Singh Sandhu on board involved showcasing eFootballTM’s commitment to Indian football fans and the culture of the sport. His presence adds credibility and excitement to the game. His in-game card will hype fans by offering a top-tier Indian player to use, boosting national pride and engagement while making eFootballTM more appealing to Indian football enthusiasts.
Will this collaboration with Gurpreet lead to more Indian footballers being featured in eFootball in the future?
We are always looking to expand our engagement with football fans across the globe, and responses to this collaboration has been fantastic. Given the strong interest in Indian football and the excitement around Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s involvement, exploring further opportunities with Indian players is certainly a direction we are considering.
What was the scale of research and effort put into building the Holi kit in-game? We would like to know the behind the scene story of the ideation process.
As a company that deeply values cultural celebrations, we wanted to create something truly special for Holi—an in-game kit that captures the essence and significance of the festival. Our team carefully crafted this concept, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors of Holi and their deeper meaning.
This vision integrated the Holi theme across our entire campaign—from the specially designed in-game events, including a reward of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s in-game card, to dynamic social media promotions featuring our roster of influencers.
This initiative reflects our commitment to celebrating cultural moments with our community, creating a more immersive and meaningful connection between the game and its players.
Jonathan’s hosting a tournament with a pretty sweet prize pool of €1,000. What kind of player are you hoping to attract to this tournament, and what kind of excitement do you expect it to generate?
Given Jonathan’s stature as a leading gaming icon and his passion for football, we were thrilled to have him at the forefront of the Goal Ke Rang esports tournament. His involvement brings immense credibility and excitement, helping us engage both casual and pro eFootballTM players, while also tapping into India’s thriving esports community.
With this initiative, we aim to connect with the country’s large and dynamic gaming audience, encouraging more players to experience the game and be part of this exciting celebration of football and esports.
Snax, Sharkshe, SMR Gaming, Gamerfleet, and RK Reddy are doing social media activations plus a meet and greet. What do you hope these influencers will achieve, and why choose Bangalore for the meet and greet?
When curating our roster of influencers for this campaign, we wanted a combination that could connect with a wide range of audiences. Each influencer brings their own personality and appeal, allowing us to engage different segments of the gaming and esports community.
Snax, with his dynamic personality and electrifying stage presence, adds an unmatched energy to the event. RK Reddy is deeply connected with football sims, bringing authenticity and expertise to the experience with a switched-on core audience. Gamerfleet, a national sensation, blends wit and charm, effortlessly drawing in both gamers and non-gamers alike. Sharkshe, a prominent figure in the esports community, has been instrumental in engaging both core and casual women gamers across the country. SMR, a Karnataka gaming icon, has a strong local fanbase in Bengaluru, making him an invaluable addition to the lineup.
Bengaluru was the perfect choice for this event. As a city that thrives on both gaming and football culture, it provided the ideal setting to bring together a passionate community. With its vibrant energy and deep-rooted love for sports and esports, it set the stage for an unforgettable celebration of gaming and competition.
Looking beyond this Holi campaign, what’s KONAMI’s plan for eFootballTM in India? What can players expect down the road?
India is an extremely important market for eFootballTM and KONAMI hopes to enjoy celebrating with its community for many years to come. We’ll be keeping an eye on how well eFootballTM continues to perform here when considering future plans, as we are hoping to build with every success. Currently we are very happy with how well the Holy campaign is resonating with the community, so we hope to go bigger and better next time!
With esports and football gaming getting bigger in India, can we expect eFootballTM to have a more structured esports circuit in the country?
You are absolutely right! India is going in a fantastic direction when it comes to esports and we are aware of the many active and talented eFootballTM players, which is one of the reasons why we wanted to do more for the community! We continue to test the water and this informs our approach for the future, but supporting India’s scene with a more structured esports circuit is already a very exciting prospect for us.
For me personally, the idea of collaborating with Indian films is incredibly exciting. India has one of the most vibrant and influential film industries in the world. In recent years, Indian cinema has gained significant recognition in Japan, with its music, action sequences, and emotionally compelling narratives. Exploring potential crossovers with eFootballTM and Indian films could open up creative opportunities, whether through themed in-game content, promotional partnerships, or even special events celebrating the connection between football and cinema. There’s a lot of potential and I’d love to see how the two could be connected!
KONAMI’s Holi campaign for eFootballTM marks an important milestone in the growth of football esports in India. By bringing together top gaming influencers, an esports tournament, football stars like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and culturally relevant in-game content, the company is making a serious push into the Indian market.
With KONAMI’s focus on esports development, onboarding more Indian footballers, and producing content that is relevant to the country, eFootballTM in India is only just beginning. As the esports industry in India keeps growing, are we possibly looking at a dedicated eFootballTM league in India in the near future? Only time will tell.
Remember when CS2 dropped in late 2023, stepping into the legendary shoes of CS:GO? Well, it’s safe to say the game has absolutely exploded in popularity, and honestly, even the most optimistic fans might be a little surprised by just how big it’s gotten. Player counts are through the roof, esports viewership is shattering records, and the in-game skin economy? Let’s just say it’s printing money. But is all this just a flash in the pan, a lucky combo of hype and good timing? Or is this the start of a brand new, sustainable golden age for Counter-Strike?
That’s exactly what we’re diving into. We’re going to break down the player numbers, the esports scene, all the game updates, what the community really thinks, the crazy skin market, and how it all stacks up against CS:GO and other contenders. By looking at the hard data and what players are actually saying, we’ll figure out if this CS2 surge is just a temporary blip or the real deal – growth that’s here to stay.
Player Counts: Record Highs or Just Launch Day Mania?
One of the clearest signs of CS2’s impact is the sheer number of people playing. When it launched in late September 2023, replacing CS:GO overnight, the hype was unreal. On release day, CS2 peaked at around 1.56 million concurrent players. Now, that’s massive, but it didn’t quite beat CS:GO’s all-time record of 1.81 million from earlier that year (which was partly driven by the CS2 beta announcement and the final CS:GO Major).
Things weren’t totally smooth sailing after launch, though. Player counts actually dipped in October 2023, falling to about 1.36 million. That 200,000-player drop had some folks worried that the initial excitement was just that – initial. Some even thought CS2’s debut was just a wave of curiosity that would crash. But boy, were those predictions wrong!
By early 2024, CS2’s player base came roaring back. In March, the game hit 1.52 million peak concurrents, finally surpassing its launch-month numbers. The momentum kept building, and in May 2024, CS2 reached 1.61 million peak players – its highest point in over a year at that time. Then came a major spike in December 2024, with CS2 hitting a whopping 1.74 million concurrent players, probably thanks to the holidays and renewed interest. And here we are in early 2025 (it’s mid-March as we’re writing this!), and CS2 is regularly smashing past 1.7 million peak players, getting super close to that CS:GO record.
Month
Avg. Players
Peak Players
Gain/Loss (vs Previous Month Avg.)
September 2023
976,138.0
1,556,326
N/A
October 2023
792,125.0
1,364,902
-184,013.0
November 2023
714,511.4
1,161,043
-77,613.5
December 2024
913,953.4
1,740,261
+61,789.1
January 2025
914,092.2
1,594,016
+138.9
February 2025
1,003,570.6
1,783,434
+89,478.3
March 2025
1,022,089.4
1,816,664
+18,518.8
What does all this mean? It looks like CS2’s surge is way more than just a launch day fluke. The game didn’t just recover from that early dip; it kept growing and is now consistently hitting near-record numbers almost two years later. That kind of sustained engagement tells you it’s a dedicated player base, not just a fleeting trend. Plus, with a massive 31.5 million unique players jumping in during that initial transition month (September 2023), it’s clear that the love for Counter-Strike is alive and kicking, reaching a whole new level.
Esports is BOOMING: A New Era of Competitive CS
Let’s be real, competitive play is the heart and soul of Counter-Strike, and the esports scene is a huge indicator of a game’s long-term health. And in this department, CS2 has absolutely delivered.
Here’s the crazy part: that’s even more viewers than CS:GO’s final Major (Blast Paris 2023), which topped out at 1.53 million. So, CS2’s debut Major actually drew more eyeballs than CS:GO’s farewell event! That’s a pretty clear sign that the community’s passion didn’t just carry over; it actually grew.
Beyond just the peak numbers, the overall engagement in CS2 esports is still super strong. The Copenhagen Major racked up a massive 58 million hours watched over its two-week run, with an average of 552,000 concurrent viewers – beating out previous Majors. And the tournament calendar is packed, with events like ESL Pro League, IEM Cologne, and more upcoming CS2 Majors, making sure CS2 stays a top-tier esport for the foreseeable future.
If this CS2 hype was just a temporary thing, you’d expect to see interest in the tournaments start to fade. Instead, the esports scene is thriving, with pro teams adapting, prize pools staying high, and sponsors continuing to throw their money in. This competitive success really backs up the idea that CS2’s popularity is built on some solid ground.
Game Updates and Valve’s Pace – Evolving or Lagging?
No game can keep players hooked without constant improvements and new content. This is where CS2’s journey has been a bit of a mixed bag. When Valve first launched CS2, it came with some serious technical upgrades, like the Source 2 engine, better graphics, those cool volumetric smoke grenades, and a new “sub-tick” system for more responsive gameplay. But the launch wasn’t exactly flawless.
Right out of the gate, even players with high-end PCs were dealing with performance issues. Plus, some key features that were in CS:GO were missing, and community servers didn’t have proper support. These issues led to a flood of negative reviews on Steam, briefly making CS2 one of Valve’s lowest-rated games. Ouch.
Valve has been working to fix a lot of these problems since then, although at their typical Valve pace (which can feel a bit slow sometimes!). Updates have improved things like hitbox alignment, refined the sub-tick system, and optimized maps like Mirage and Inferno. An update back in October 2024 even brought in new weapon collections and skins to give players some fresh content. However, some players still feel like Valve isn’t moving fast enough. A big example is that CS2 still hasn’t gotten a major “Operation” event, which was a staple of CS:GO’s content cycle and something fans are really missing.
Despite these concerns, CS2’s player base has continued to grow, which suggests that its popularity isn’t solely reliant on rapid-fire content drops. Still, if Valve picks up the pace with updates and really listens to community feedback, the future of CS2 could be even brighter.
Community Vibes: Faithful Fans or Just Nostalgia?
The Counter-Strike community is one of the most passionate and vocal in gaming, and CS2 has definitely stirred up some strong opinions. Initial reactions were a bit all over the place, with a lot of veteran players missing some of the old features and not totally sold on some of the gameplay tweaks. Those “Mixed” reviews on Steam were a real reflection of that, with players pointing to the optimization issues and the lack of classic game modes.
But as Valve rolled out updates and started addressing those initial problems, the community’s overall attitude started to shift. By the middle of 2024, CS2’s strengths – like the refined gunplay, improved maps, and that better tick-rate simulation – started to win over even the skeptics. Plus, newer players, including some who were coming over from Valorant, praised CS2’s high skill ceiling.
Of course, not everyone is completely happy. You still see some ex-pros and streamers voicing their concerns about game balance, the anti-cheat system, and Valve’s update schedule. But unlike a game that’s just a fading trend, CS2 remains a constant topic of discussion within the community. That’s a good sign that players are engaged and really invested in where the game is headed.
Show Me the Money: Skins, Sales, and Soaring Revenue
Let’s talk about the in-game economy, because CS2’s skin market has absolutely exploded. This isn’t just about player numbers; it’s about players actively investing in the game, which is a huge sign of long-term health.
Those Major tournament stickers continue to break sales records, with over $110 million in sales for the last CS:GO Major stickers – and that trend is expected to continue in CS2.
With this level of economic engagement, it’s crystal clear that players aren’t just hopping into CS2 for a few rounds; they’re deeply invested in the game’s ecosystem.
The Verdict: More Than Just a Lucky Break
So, after looking at all the evidence – the player counts, the booming esports scene, the ongoing updates, the evolving community sentiment, and the absolutely massive financial success – it’s pretty clear that CS2’s surge in popularity is the real deal. While some of the initial hype and those holiday spikes definitely gave it a boost, the sustained player engagement, the record-breaking tournaments, and that thriving in-game economy all point towards sustainable growth, not just a passing fad.
Valve still has some work to do, no doubt. But if CS2 keeps evolving, keeps listening to its players, and keeps delivering on that classic Counter-Strike formula with modern improvements, then its future as the next great era of Counter-Strike looks incredibly solid. This isn’t just a lucky glitch; it’s a full-blown revival of the franchise, and the numbers don’t lie.
Marvel Rivals, the superhero-packed hero shooter from NetEase Games, continues to captivate players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in 2025. With its fast-paced 6v6 battles featuring iconic Marvel characters, many players are wondering: does Marvel Rivals have cross progression? Additionally, how does its crossplay system work? Here’s the latest breakdown based on current data and developer insights.
Does Marvel Rivals Support Crossplay?
Yes, Marvel Rivals offers crossplay, but with limitations. Players across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC can team up or face off in casual modes like Quick Match, Conquest, and Custom Games. This means friends can battle as Spider-Man, Hulk, or Iron Man together, regardless of platform.
However, Competitive Mode has restrictions:
PC players can only match with other PC users.
Console players (PS5 & Xbox) can compete together but are separated from PC players.
This split aims to maintain game balance, considering the differences between mouse & keyboard and controller inputs. Players on consoles can toggle crossplay off, but PC users do not have this option—crossplay remains always on. NetEase designed this system to enhance accessibility while preserving competitive fairness.
Does Marvel Rivals Have Cross Progression?
As of March 14, 2025, Marvel Rivals does not have cross progression. This means your progress, unlocked skins, levels, and Battle Pass rewards are locked to the platform you play on. If you switch from PS5 to PC or Xbox, you’ll have to start fresh, which has frustrated many players who game across multiple devices.
NetEase is aware of the demand for cross-progression. In a Wccftech interview, executive producer Danny Koo acknowledged the issue, stating, “We’re still looking into it. We’ve heard the audience suggest this several times.” The technical challenges and platform-specific rules make implementation difficult, but the development team remains optimistic.
While no official timeline exists, many speculate that cross-progression could arrive later in 2025, aligning with industry trends seen in games like Overwatch 2 and Fortnite.
Why Cross Progression Matters for Marvel Rivals Players
Crossplay helps expand the Marvel Rivals community, making it easier for friends to play together. However, the lack of cross-progression limits flexibility, particularly for a free-to-play game that thrives on cosmetic purchases and seasonal content. Players on X (formerly Twitter) have expressed mixed reactions, with some praising the crossplay options while others remain frustrated by the inability to transfer progress.
For now, choose your platform carefully—that Iron Man skin you grind for won’t transfer if you switch devices.
Attention, Marvel Rivals achievement hunters! A new challenge has arrived, and it’s leaving players both puzzled and excited. The “Shero of Wakanda” Achievement requires a specific interaction on a single map, turning it into a mini treasure hunt within the game. With the 2025 meta constantly evolving, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you secure this Chronoverse Saga trophy and add another milestone to your collection.
What Is the “Shero of Wakanda” Achievement?
To unlock this achievement, players must listen to General Okoye’s message in the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda. While it sounds simple, the challenge lies in being at the right place, at the right time, on the right map. Unlike achievements that unlock naturally through gameplay, this one requires specific steps and some patience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking “Shero of Wakanda”
Step 1: Queue for Birnin T’Challa
This achievement can only be unlocked on Birnin T’Challa’s Domination map. Since players cannot manually select maps in Marvel Rivals, they must enter Quick Match or Competitive queue and wait until Birnin T’Challa appears. As of March 14, 2025, the map rotation remains random, so persistence is key.
Step 2: Locate Warrior Falls
Once inside Birnin T’Challa, head to the Warrior Falls spawn room. This is the only area where the achievement can be triggered. If your match does not include this capture point, you will need to try again in a future game.
Step 3: Find Okoye’s Statue
In the Warrior Falls spawn room, look for a statue of General Okoye clad in her signature armor. The statue is usually positioned toward the back of the room. Upon locating it, move closer until an interaction prompt appears on the screen—typically “G” on a keyboard or the equivalent button on a controller.
Step 4: Interact and Listen to Okoye’s Message
Press the interaction button to play Okoye’s message. The achievement should unlock once the dialogue finishes. However, some players have reported a slight delay, with the achievement only appearing after the match concludes. To ensure it registers, stay in the game until the final scoreboard appears.
Pro Tips for Unlocking the Achievement Efficiently
If the interaction does not work, try again after respawning or queue for another match.
Use a fast-moving hero like Spider-Man to reach the statue quickly before combat begins.
After the match, check the Achievements tab in the Career Overview to confirm that the points have been credited.
Earning this achievement grants 5 Achievement Points in the Chronoverse Saga category. While this may seem minor, these points contribute to unlocking cosmetic rewards, exclusive titles, and other in-game collectibles, making them a valuable addition to any Marvel Rivals player’s profile.
So, gear up, embrace the challenge, and claim your Wakandan honor. Wakanda Forever, and happy hunting!
