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Shroud Says CS2 Could Kill Counter-Strike: Is He Right?

Counter-Strike has been a cornerstone in the world of first-person shooters for over a decade. With the recent release of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), the gaming community has been buzzing with opinions and speculations. One voice that has stood out in this discourse is that of Michael ‘Shroud’ Grzesiek, a former CS:GO professional and a prominent Twitch streamer.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) has enjoyed its reign as one of the most beloved first-person shooters globally. The anticipation was palpable when its successor, CS2, was announced and subsequently released on September 27 after extensive beta testing. While the game introduced enhanced gameplay and new features, sparking hope and excitement among fans, not everyone shares this optimism.

During a recent live stream, Shroud expressed his concerns about CS2, particularly pointing out issues with the game’s smoke effects. But his most startling revelation was his belief that CS2 might signal the end of the Counter-Strike franchise. “I think this game dies. CS dies with two. I firmly believe that,” Shroud remarked. This statement, coming from a former professional player, has stirred debates and discussions among fans and players alike.

While Shroud’s perspective might seem bleak, it’s essential to note that many in the gaming community, including his teammates, disagree with him. They argue that it’s too early to predict the game’s fate, especially given its current popularity. As of now, CS2 is dominating the charts, being the most-played game on Steam.

Also Read: CS2 Devs Crack Down on Cheaters with Mass Ban Wave

The future of CS2 remains uncertain, with contrasting opinions from prominent figures in the gaming community. While Shroud’s concerns are valid, the game’s current success suggests a promising future. Only time will tell if CS2 will uphold the legacy of its predecessor or mark the end of an iconic franchise.

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CS2 Devs Crack Down on Cheaters with Mass Ban Wave

In the world of online gaming, cheating has always been a persistent issue. With the recent release of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), the developers at Valve are already taking significant steps to ensure a fair gaming environment for all.

Just days after the release of CS2, Valve has swiftly turned its attention to the growing problem of cheating. On October 2nd, a massive ban wave was initiated, targeting accounts that were using one of the most popular cheats in CS2. This move by Valve has been met with widespread approval from the gaming community, especially those who have been long-time fans of the Counter-Strike series.

Cheating has been a recurring issue in online multiplayer games, and CS2 is no exception. The predecessor, CS:GO, also faced its fair share of cheating problems. However, the rapid response from Valve in addressing cheating in CS2 has been a welcome change. While CS:GO had the Overwatch system, a community-driven cheating review mechanism, CS2 seems to be relying more on Valve’s VACnet AI to detect and ban cheaters, even without community input.

Despite the proactive measures taken by Valve, there have been instances of wrongful bans due to the new system. During the beta phase of CS2, there was a noticeable increase in cheaters, leading some to predict a bleak future for the game. However, the recent bans have reignited hope for a robust anti-cheat system in CS2. Prominent players like FaZe Clan’s ropz have voiced their opinions, suggesting that Valve should consider a more invasive anti-cheat system, similar to Riot Games’ Vanguard software for VALORANT.

The fight against cheating in online games is an ongoing battle. With the release of CS2, Valve has shown its commitment to ensuring a fair and enjoyable gaming experience for all players. The gaming community remains hopeful that with continued efforts and improvements, CS2 will set a new standard in online gaming integrity.

Kronten Allegedly Called S8UL’s MortaL a “Dead Player”, Clarifies Later

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Controversies and rivalries are not uncommon in the gaming and esports community. Two organizations that have been competitive in the Indian gaming and esports scene are S8UL Esports and GodLike Esports. However, a recent heated exchange of words between Chetan “Kronten” Chandgude, CEO of GodLike Esports, and S8UL Esports has stirred up quite a storm in the community.

The controversy revolves around Kronten’s alleged comments on S8UL Esports and S8UL Esports co-owner Naman “MortaL” Mathur, perceived by many as disrespectful. This situation has resulted in strong reactions from S8UL Esports and its dedicated fan base.

The Beginning of S8UL Esports vs GodLike Esports Recent Controversy

Members of S8UL Esports and a few other organizations humourously trolled GodLike Esports for building such a hype about its roster change and then annoucing the same roster. Addressing these trolls, Kronten allegedly used derogatory terms against both S8UL Esports and Team SouL. The main controversy began when Kronten made a metaphorical reference to a “dead player” during one of his live streams. While he did not mention any names, the gaming community, including fans of S8UL Esports, speculated that this remark was directed at MortaL.

S8UL Esports’ Response To Kronten

In response to Kronten’s comments, members of S8UL Esports and its fan base expressed their frustration and disappointment. Given MortaL’s significant influence and history in the esports industry, many felt that he deserved more respect. Various individuals from the S8UL organization voiced their concerns, creating a unified front against what they perceived as disrespect towards their player.

Kronten’s Clarifies His Statements and Apologizes to MortaL

In an attempt to address the mounting backlash from the gaming community, Kronten took to his livestream to clarify the ongoing situation. He revealed that his comments, including the term “dead player,” were not directed at MortaL alone but were intended for a broader audience. Kronten added he used this phrase in jest towards numerous individuals, except for a couple of friends within the organization. He expressed his belief that if anyone had taken offense, they should have reached out to him directly, and he would have readily issued an apology.

Kronten revealed that he had already reached out to MortaL to apologize and attempted to make amends with Scout, a prominent member of S8UL Esports. Scout and Kronten reportedly have a history of friendly banter and communication. However, Kronten also stressed that banter is common, and it should be taken in stride by all parties.

He reiterated his willingness to apologize to MortaL and others if they were genuinely hurt by his comments. 

Goldy Bhai’s Final Response to the Controversy

S8UL Esports’ co-owner Goldy Bha voiced his final stance on the matter. He firmly stated that a line had been drawn, and relations would not be rebuilt. Goldy Bhai urged Kronten not to mention or talk about S8UL Esports. He emphasized that they had no intention of mentioning GodLike Esports’ name either. Despite tensions, Goldy Bhai highlighted that S8UL Esports maintained a respectful silence even after GodLike Esports’ elimination from BGIS 2023.

MortaL’s Response to the Controversy

Despite the controversy, MortaL chose to address the situation in a calm and composed manner. MortaL went live on his YouTube channel with the title “Your Dead Player is Back,” taunting with the term used for him. During this stream, he thanked his fans for their support and chose not to escalate the matter. MortaL’s response demonstrated maturity and a desire to avoid unnecessary conflicts.


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Counter-Strike 2 Drives Player Record to New Heights in September

Counter-Strike 2, released on September 27, has achieved a milestone by attracting 31,466,851 unique players in September alone, marking the highest in the franchise’s history. This amalgamation of numbers likely includes both CSGO and CS2’s beta players, reflecting the immense anticipation and acceptance from the community.

While the game hasn’t surpassed CSGO’s peak player record, it recorded a staggering peak of 1,471,730 players on its first full day, September 28. The community’s engagement levels are indicative of the game’s potential to redefine standards in the gaming industry, despite the presence of issues such as cheaters and FPS drops.

The journey of Counter-Strike 2 is reminiscent of CSGO’s initial days, where many players found it broken and unplayable. However, with continuous improvements and refinements, CSGO evolved into a beloved game. The same trajectory is expected for CS2, with the community’s feedback playing a crucial role in its evolution and perfection.

The release of Counter-Strike 2 is more than just a game launch; it’s a testament to the collaborative spirit of the gaming community and developers. The willingness to release the game, gather extensive feedback, and address the reported issues highlights the commitment to providing an unparalleled gaming experience. This approach is pivotal in ensuring the game’s longevity and success in the competitive gaming landscape.

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Is Fortnite Shutting Down in 2024?

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Fortnite continues to enjoy immense popularity, with millions of players logging in daily to experience the thrilling battle royale gameplay. However, rumors have been circulating about the potential shutdown of Fortnite in 2023 or 2024, causing a stir among the gaming community. This article aims to address these rumors and provide clarity on the future of Fortnite.

The rumors surrounding Fortnite’s supposed shutdown have been primarily fueled by a tweet, allegedly from official sources, claiming that the game would be shutting down in 2023 or 2024. However, these claims are completely unfounded. The tweet in question is fake, and there has been no official announcement or indication from Epic Games, the developers of Fortnite, regarding any plans to shut down the game.

Is Fortnite Shutting Down in 2024?

Fortnite’s success is undeniable, with the game earning $5.1 billion in revenue in 2020 and boasting a monthly active player count of 80.4 million in the same year. The game’s popularity has only escalated since then, breaking previous records and attracting a plethora of content creators on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Given its free-to-play model and continued growth, the notion of Fortnite nearing its end seems highly improbable. Thus, any claim of Fortnite shutting down in 2024 is totally false and misleading.

The spread of false information, such as the fabricated tweet about Fortnite’s shutdown, can have significant repercussions. It can create unnecessary panic and confusion among the player base and potentially harm the game’s reputation. It is crucial for players to verify the information they come across and rely only on official announcements and credible sources to avoid falling prey to misinformation.

Epic Games, with a net worth of $4.5 billion as of July 2018, is more than capable of managing the demands of Fortnite’s extensive player base. The company was projected to surpass $8.5 billion by the end of 2018, ensuring that there would be no issues in accommodating the growing number of Fortnite players. Therefore, any claims of Epic Games struggling to keep up with the demand are baseless.

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Starlit Icon Series Emote Now Available in Fortnite Item Shop

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The Starlit Icon Series Emote has made its grand entrance into the Fortnite Item Shop, available for a limited duration. Priced at 500 V-Bucks, this emote can be acquired in the ‘Featured Items’ section of today’s rotation, accompanied by a variety of cosmetics including the Punk and Patch Outfits, Punkin’ Wrap, Carvers Pickaxe, Ava Outfit, Ava’s Ravers Pickaxe, Nexus Counterpart Wrap, Safari Outfit, Flail Blades Pickaxe, and X Marks Wrap. The Starlit Emote is anticipated to be accessible for several days.

The Starlit Icon Series Emote is a sparkling new addition to the Fortnite collection, allowing players to express themselves in a unique way. It stands out as a symbol of individuality and style in the gaming world, reflecting the vibrant and dynamic spirit of Fortnite players.

Availability and Pricing

For those eager to get their hands on this exclusive emote, it is available in the ‘Featured Items’ section for 500 V-Bucks. However, it’s crucial to act swiftly as this emote is available for a limited time, making it a prized possession for those who manage to secure it.

Alongside the Starlit Emote, players can explore a diverse range of cosmetics including outfits, wraps, and pickaxes, each designed to enhance the gaming experience and offer unique ways to customize characters.

To stay updated on the latest Fortnite developments, releases, and more, players can follow Fortnite News on various social media platforms, ensuring they never miss out on exciting new content and announcements.

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How to Beat Kurt Hansen in Cyberpunk 2077?

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Players encounter a formidable adversary in the Phantom Liberty DLC of Cyberpunk 2077, Colonel Kurt Hansen. This guide provides a meticulous strategy to overcome this challenging foe and reap the generous rewards that follow.

Equip yourself with ample medicine and powerful weapons like the light machine gun and Rasetsu to maximize damage output. Remember to save the game and optimize your build by enhancing your Body and Reflexes, ensuring swift reactions and robust health during the confrontation.

How to Beat Kurt Hansen in Cyberpunk 2077?

The battle against Kurt Hansen is divided into two distinct phases. In the first phase, eliminate the accompanying mercenaries before focusing on the main adversary. Constant movement and strategic positioning are vital to avoid his attacks. The second phase sees an increase in Hansen’s aggression and speed, introducing a new lethal combo. To counter this, position yourself on containers, restricting his ability to execute the deadly combo, and continue your assault until he is vulnerable to the final blow.

Defeating Kurt Hansen yields lucrative rewards, including powerful weapons like the Fang, Bald Eagle, and Wild Dog, each with unique abilities and enhancements. Players can opt to spare Hansen, receiving the NUSA medal and 30,000 Eurodollars from President Myers, but the weaponry obtained post-battle arguably surpasses this alternative reward.

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Scout Discusses SPower’s Future and Praises His Abilities in BGMI Esports

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Tanmay “Scout” Singh recently addressed the highly-anticipated departure of Rudra “SPower” B from GodLike Esports. Following GodLike Esports’ CEO Chetan “Kronten” Chanduge’s announcement, Scout put an end to speculations about SPower’s next move. While ruling out Team X Spark and Global Esports, Scout expressed unwavering confidence in SPower’s abilities. He also praised SPower’s exceptional skills, placing him among BGMI’s elite assaulters.

Scout Discusses SPower’s BGMI Career

Following CEO Chetan “Kronten” Chanduge’s announcement that SPower will be parting ways with GodLike Esports, Scout addressed this move on his recent livestream. Scout confirmed that SPower would not be joining Team X Spark, putting an end to speculations regarding SPower’s potential move to the team. However, Scout expressed confidence in SPower’s capabilities and shared exciting news about his future destination. “I know where he is going, and it is a very good team,” Scout revealed. “Wherever he will go, he will show an incredible performance. That I can say for sure.”

Scout went on to highlight SPower’s remarkable skills within the game, positioning him among the elite BGMI assaulters. He emphasised that effective gameplay extends beyond simply firing shots; it includes providing valuable callouts and contributing to the team’s overall strategy. “I have added SPower in my top five assaulters list because he is one of the finest,” Scout stated, acknowledging SPower’s well-rounded approach to the game.

When asked about the possibility of SPower joining Global Esports, Scout promptly denied the speculation. “No, he is not going to Global Esports either,” Scout confirmed.

In a heartwarming note, Scout shared his sentiments about the BGMI Esports community, emphasising the camaraderie that exists among players and teams. He drew a parallel between SPower and other respected players like NinjaJOD and Daksh, underlining the unity within the community. “The way you love NinjaJOD and Daksh, SPower is on the same level for us,” Scout expressed. “NinjaJOD is like a brother to me. Same goes for SPower, Daksh, Sayyam… These all are our brothers.”


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Kronten Reveals Changes Coming to GodLike Esports’ BGMI Roster

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Kronten Chandgude, the CEO of GodLike Esports, recently addressed the recent turmoil surrounding the organization’s Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) roster. After much anticipation and uncertainty, Kronten revealed the future plans for the team, putting an end to the swirling rumors and concerns. Kronten revealed that GodLike Esports will continue with its current BGMI roster.

GodLike Esports To Continue With Its Current BGMI Roster, Except SPower

Kronten began by acknowledging the statements made by Suraj “Neyoo” Majumdar in his own livestream. He confirmed that Neyoo’s remarks were accurate but elaborated that a meeting had taken place within the organization to address the issues at hand. Kronten clarified that the organization had not intended to deceive or mislead its fans and supporters. He stressed that the issues faced by the team, both in terms of management and player performance, were genuine but had now been resolved. 

Kronten finally announced that the lineup that would continue to represent GodLike Esports. The unchanged roster will consist of star player Jonathan “JONATHAN” Amaral, Vivek “ClutchGod” Horo, Abhishek “ZGOD” Choudhary, Arjun “SHADOW” Mandhalkar, and Suraj Nityanand “Neyoo” Majumdar. These players will participate in upcoming tournaments under the GodLike Esports banner, but for a limited time. During this period, the team’s improvement will be gauged before making a decision.

Kronten reassured fans that the team was committed to making a strong comeback. He acknowledged that there had been concerns about some players’ performance, but he assured viewers that they had identified the problems and implemented solutions.

Regarding Rudra “SPower” B, Kronten explained that SPower would be joining a new team soon. He clarified that SPower’s association with GodLike Esports was intended for a limited duration, and there were no long-term agreements. The decision was made in consultation with SPower’s family.

Ghatak To Work On a Different Project

Kronten also addressed the situation of the team’s coach, Abhijeet “Ghatak” Andhare, who previously announced a break. Interestingly, Ghatak will not continue as the coach of the team. However, he will actively working on gaming-related project that are separate from the team. Kronten teased that Ghatak had exciting plans in store for the fans.


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Crypto and the Controller: How Digital Currencies are Transforming the Global iGaming Landscape

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Blockchain technology and digital currencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Tether (USDT), and Ethereum (ETH) are helping to shape the iGaming industry like never before. 

There are many perfectly secure online sports betting casinos (fully licensed iGaming sites with sports betting services and hundreds of games under one roof) that accept cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals. 

Let’s dive straight in and take a closer look at how digital currencies are transforming the global iGaming landscape. 

How have digital currencies revolutionised the global iGaming landscape? 

In recent years, there has been more of a shift towards cryptocurrencies, especially in the iGaming industry, which encompasses all real-money gambling sites that are licensed by renowned iGaming licensing authorities. 

Digital currencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Tether, and Ethereum have helped revolutionize the iGaming landscape simply by making these sites more accessible to the masses. Cryptocurrencies have single-handedly helped attract a new wave of global players to today’s biggest sites.

Millions of players worldwide still prefer to use something other than traditional payment methods or fiat currencies to pay for goods and services at the checkout and prefer using cryptocurrencies instead. 

Examples include real-money online casinos with sports betting services, like the official 10bet website, dedicated poker sites, and bingo and lottery sites. The 10bet platform also has many eSports betting markets, with some of the iGaming industry’s most competitive odds for today’s biggest esports events.

Crypto-accepting sites like this have opened up a new world of possibilities for players who would have otherwise been unable to place a wager on their favourite eSports team or play their favourite online casino games. 

What are the advantages of using cryptocurrency for deposits and withdrawals at licensed eSports betting sites?

Cryptocurrencies (which are also referred to as digital currencies) have several advantages for online gamblers. 

First of all, any deposits and withdrawals you make using the cryptocurrency payment method come with higher levels of security than traditional payment methods like credit & debit cards, bank transfers, and e-Wallets (which are otherwise known as digital wallets, electronic wallets, or web wallets). 

Therefore, it’s safer to use cryptocurrencies because of the more sophisticated levels of encryption. In other words, there’s less likelihood of your transactions getting hijacked or your personal details/payment method details being compromised when using cryptocurrency. 

Transactions processed with credit and debit cards and other traditional payment methods are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Some players also prefer the anonymity that comes with using digital currencies like Bitcoin.

Also, cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals tend to be processed much quicker than other payment methods. In some cases, it can take as little as a few minutes to receive your winnings. Additionally, players who use cryptocurrency can usually deposit and withdraw higher amounts. 

Usually, there are no transaction fees when using cryptocurrency. The same cannot be said when using certain traditional payment methods, which sometimes add tiny fees to each transaction.  

This nominal amount is hardly noticeable and can vary depending on your chosen payment method. Remember that the casino will never add fees to your deposits or withdrawals; only certain payment processing companies do this. 

One of the biggest advantages of using cryptocurrencies is that players living in countries with strict online gambling laws where there are no legally permitted homegrown iGaming sites can now enjoy playing hundreds of casino games and place eSports bets in a safe environment from their desktop or mobile devices at trusted sites like 10bet. These players can also now verify the legitimacy of games and the fairness of outcomes.

What is the best crypto-accepting casino site?

As mentioned, one of the best crypto-accepting online casinos today is the official 10bet website, which lets players in certain countries use cryptocurrencies. 

Remember that depending on which country you live in will determine exactly which payment methods you can use to deposit and withdraw when you sign up here. 

The best thing to do would be to head straight to the cashier/banking section or contact player support (by email, live chat, telephone, etc.) to see if your preferred crypto or traditional payment method is accepted. 

What are the biggest eSports tournaments to bet on in 2023?

If you enjoy watching competitive eSports events and fancy having a flutter on any upcoming events, some of the biggest tournaments to keep an eye out for are the following major eSports tournaments:

  • The Call of Duty Championship
  • The BLAST Premier League
  • Worlds 2023, which is also known as the League of Legends World Championship or the LOL Championship)
  • The Honor of Kings International
  • The ESL Pro League Championship
  • The Wild Rift League
  • The Fortnite World Cup
  • The International

Some of the most iconic video games played at these events are hit titles such as Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, Dota 2, League of Legends (LOL), and Minecraft. 

Other popular games played at these events by successful eSports teams like Fnatic, Team Liquid, Evil Geniuses, 100 Thieves, Cloud9, and OpTic Gaming are Rocket League, Valorant, World of Warcraft (WoW), Overwatch, Fortnite, and NBA 2K23/NBA 2K24, to name a few. 

Final note

Before betting on any eSports event, always take the time to research as much as possible about the different teams and stay up to date with the latest news. 

Remember to gamble responsibly, and only attempt to sign up to a licensed eSports betting site if you are of legal age in your jurisdiction (usually 18 in most places, but it can be 19 or 21, in places like Canada and the US).