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Counter Strike 2 Competitive Changes Explained: CS Rating, Map-Specific Ranks, Leaderboards, & More

Sonu Banerjee
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Counter Strike 2 Competitive Changes Explained: CS Rating, Map-Specific Ranks, Leaderboards, & More

On August 31st, Valve shipped out a series of interesting changes to Counter-Strike 2, including a brand-new CS rating system for the Premier Mode, ranks that are specific to the maps in the game, in-game competitive leaderboards, and much more. The changes introduced to the game as part of the update aim to improve the overall competitive atmosphere of the game while also providing players with enough freedom to master their favorite maps.

Let’s take a look at everything new that the August 31 CS2 update has brought alongside it to the game.

Premier Mode & CS Rating

The developers have introduced Premier Mode to Counter Strike 2 with this new update. For the uninitiated, Premier Mode is a form of competitive matchmaking in Counter Strike which features an Active Duty Pick/Ban system.

The addition of Premier Mode is also accompanied by the introduction of CS rating, which, according to the devs, is “a precise display of your skill in Counter-Strike 2.” The CS rating is a new and transparent ranking system that players partaking in Premier Matchmaking will be able to enjoy. Players can obtain CS Rating for every victory in the Premier Mode, while losing points for every loss.

Map-Specific Ranks

Moving forward, the Competitive game mode in CS2 will feature map-specific ranks, where players will have their skill groups assigned to them based on maps. For instance, players may find themselves hitting Global Elite on one map, while being Gold Nova on some others. This is intended to make learning maps much easier for the players, and is a welcome change overall for the title.

Seasonal Leaderboards

The Premier Mode of Counter Strike 2 will feature separate seasonal leaderboards for the best players in the game. The leaderboards are divided into the following sub-categories: Friends, Regional and Global leaderboards. According to an official blog post by Valve, there are a total of nine Counter-Strike 2 leaderboards:

  • Friends – this leaderboard tracks players on your Friends List.
  • World – the top 1,000 players in the world.
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Australia
  • China
  • Europe
  • North America
  • South America

On top of all the aforementioned changes, the developers have also sent out a huge wave of Limited Test invitations. “Beginning today, we are starting the process of inviting as many eligible players as possible to the Limited Test,” Valve said in a statement. “To be eligible, players must have CS:GO Prime Status, an active Competitive Skill Group, and play the majority of their official matchmaking games in one of the regions where the Limited Test is available.”

Stay updated with the latest news in gaming and esports by signing up for early access to TalkEsport’s Mobile App. Follow us on Twitter and Google News to ensure you never miss the exciting updates.

Krafton Media Day: A Recap of Key Announcements

Hoax
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Krafton Media Day: A Recap of Key Announcements

Talk Esport had the opportunity to attend Krafton’s recent press conference hosted on 31st August. This was its first press conference since Battlegrounds Mobile India’s (BGMI) relaunch. In this press conference, Krafton discussed its journey in India, investments made in the Indian market, BGMI, growth of esports in India, and its future plans for India. 

Krafton’s Journey in India

Krafton’s journey in India is marked by explosive growth, massive investments, and a strong focus on community engagement. From expanding its game portfolio to fostering local talent and embracing Indian culture, Krafton’s presence in India has been nothing short of remarkable. Krafton’s footprint in India has witnessed a massive growth from 2021 to 2023. What began as a single game title has now expanded to four – BGMI, New State Mobile, Road to Valor: Empires, and Defense Derby. 

Through partnerships and collaborations with local players, the company has taken active steps to nurture India’s gaming ecosystem, and plans to continue to invest in the gaming and interactive entertainment ecosystem. 

Strategic Investments and Collaborations

Krafton started off its investment portfolio in India with NODWIN Gaming in March 2021. This was followed by the investment in Loco, a livestream platform. At a time of investment, Loco had the daily average users less than 100,000. This number has now grown to 5x or 10x of the original users.

Since March 20211, Krafton has invested a whopping $140 million across 11 startups. This includes NODWIN Gaming, Loco, Pratilipi, Kuku FM, One Impression and more. Additionally, the recent commitment to invest an additional $150 million over the next two to three years. This clearly showcases the company’s dedication to shaping the future of Indian gaming. 

“BGMI is Not Just a Game, It Is Also a Cultural and Social Experience” – Krafton

With BGMI, Krafton has embarked on a mission to redefine gaming experiences through innovative customizations and strategic collaborations with luxury brands, sought-after gaming IPs, and captivating animation IPs that resonate with the gaming community. “BGMI is not just a game, it is also a cultural and social experience,” Krafton stated.  

Krafton’s commitment to responsible gaming shines through its pioneering campaign, “Game Responsibly,” which left an indelible mark by securing a Bronze at the prestigious Cannes Lions Awards. The thoughtfully curated campaign appealed to the entire gaming community, parents and regulators all without using any dialogues and conveying focused messaging. 

Krafton is a fan-first or a user-first company. Through live chats during Key Opinion Leader (KOL) streams, community platforms, and social media forums, the company engages directly with players to understand their sentiments, desires, and feedback. KRAFTON’s focus is firmly fixed on cultivating a sense of community driven by fan-first research. This approach resonates through initiatives like “India Ki Heartbeat.” India Ki Heartbeat is a captivating docu-series that took KRAFTON to the heart of 14 small Indian towns. Here, they unearthed 12 remarkable stories, including that of a streamer who defied physical limitations by playing with his tongue. The docu-series captures the emotion behind BGMI and how India and the gaming communities’ hearts beat for BGMI. 

Tailoring Experiences For India

The launch of the Indian Faction in Road To Valor: Empires signifies Krafton’s commitment to integrating local culture into a global gaming landscape. Developed collaboratively by Krafton’s Indian and South Korean teams, the Faction has garnered significant attention and boasts over 400,000 downloads in India. 

Growth of Esports in India

The growth of esports in India has reached new heights, propelled by Krafton’s strategic initiatives. At the forefront stands the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) 2023, a grassroots tournament that has become one of Southeast Asia’s biggest esports tournaments. This tournament provides a platform for both amateurs and seasoned professionals to showcase their gaming skills. With a staggering prize pool of INR 2 crore, including a substantial INR 75 lakhs for the winning team, BGIS has not only fueled competition but also fostered the dreams of budding esports athletes.

One of the standout moments in this esports journey was the invitational series known as ‘The Grind’. This captivating event amassed a remarkable 33 million views. As the anticipation builds, an offline LAN finale with a live audience is scheduled to take place on 12th, 13th, and 15th October in Mumbai. 

To further elevate the esports experience, Krafton has entered into a strategic partnership with JioCinema to broadcast BGIS. The impact of BGMI in helping tournament organizers scale up the esports landscape cannot be overstated, with promises of even grander events on the horizon, such as the Road To Valor: Empires Open Championship with a prize pool of INR 10 lakhs. 

Additionally, Krafton will also host the friendly BGMI India-Korea Invitational Match. This event will see the top 8 teams from BGIS face-off 8 esports teams from South Korea. Krafton’s innovative approach also extends to their “Developers vs. Players” format, hosted on the KRAFTON INDIA ESPORTS YouTube channel.

Krafton’s Upcoming Initiatives

Krafton has announced that it will release a chronicle of the story and development of the Indian Faction in Road To Valor: Empires. It will also release an advertisement named ‘India Ki Boli,’ which will contain 50 easter eggs. Additionally, the “Setting Laga Na” campaign is also in the pipeline to educate players on optimizing their gaming settings for seamless gameplay.

Stay updated with the latest news in gaming and esports by signing up for early access to TalkEsport’s Mobile App. Follow us on Twitter and Google News to ensure you never miss the exciting updates.

CS2 Introduces New Leaderboard System with Next Invite Wave

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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CS2 Introduces New Leaderboard System with Next Invite Wave

Valve has recently rolled out an update, for CS2 bringing in some changes, particularly a significant overhaul of the ranking system. This update aligns, with the introduction of Inferno and a fresh wave of beta invitations for limited regions.

Valve has made some changes, to the CS2s ranking system. The invitations come with updated requirements for getting access. Players who have “CS;GO Prime Status ” are part of a Competitive Skill Group. Mostly play official matchmaking games in one of the eligible regions, for the Limited Test should check if they have been chosen for this special group.

“CS:GO Prime Status, an active Competitive Skill Group, and play the majority of their official matchmaking games in one of the regions where the Limited Test is available”

In the regional ranking systems, players are given an accurate CS2 rating based on how well they perform in Premier matches. These ratings will be reset, at intervals giving players the opportunity to vie for the spot every few months.

In CS2 players can now earn badges for each map, which expands the opportunities for gamers to reach the Global Elite rank on a variety of maps. However, it’s important to note that this rank is limited to certain maps only.

Stay updated with the latest news in gaming and esports by signing up for early access to TalkEsport’s Mobile App. Follow us on Twitter and Google News to ensure you never miss the exciting updates.

BGMI Collaborates With Aston Martin for Aston Martin Speed Drift Event

Hoax
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BGMI Collaborates With Aston Martin for Aston Martin Speed Drift Event

After successful collaborations with supercar brands like Bugatti and Lamborghini, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) has now joined forces with the legendary British supercar manufacturer – Aston Martin. This collaboration has brought a brand new event to the game – Aston Martin Speed Drift, offering players a host of exclusive rewards and vehicle skins. 

Aston Martin Speed Drift Event: Everything You Need to Know

The Aston Martin Speed Drift has already started on 1st September and will conclude on 10th October, lasting for 40 days. The centerpiece of this event is a collection of captivating vehicle skins for two different vehicles – Coupe and UAS. However, to acquire these exclusive vehicle skins, players will need Lucky badges. These Lucky badges can be obtained in the Aston Martin Speed Drift event section by spending UC (Unknown Cash). 

To start, players need to open the event section and tap on “Start Accelerating.” The first acceleration costs 60 UC, however, it keeps on increasing with each acceleration, reaching up to 7200 UC. However, it is important to note that this event depends on luck as players will need to accelerate multiple time to get the desired skin.

Here’s a breakdown of the available vehicle skins and their prices in terms of Lucky badges:

  • For Coupe RB:
  • Aston Martin DBS Volante (Black-Bronze Satin) – 1 Lucky badge
  • Aston Martin DBS Volante Sebastian Pink – 3 Lucky badges
  • Aston Martin Valkyrie (Racing Green) – 1 Lucky badge
  • Aston Martin (Celestial Pink – 3 Lucky badges
  • For UAZ:
  • Aston Martin DBX 707 (Quasar Blue) – 1 Lucky badge
  • Aston Martin DBX 707 (Neon Purple) – 3 Lucky badges

Other Rewards

This collaboration also brings Aston Martin Speed Drift Mini Event. This event rewards players with Lucky Voucher for participating in the main event. Following are the rewards of this mini event.

  • 100 Lucky Vouchers – when participation reaches 2400
  • 275 Lucky Vouchers – when participation reaches 9000
  • 375 Lucky Vouchers – when participation reaches 18000
  • 750 Lucky Vouchers – when participation reaches 36000

These vouchers do not expire, and can be used anytime to redeem certain items from the Redemption Store. For the current event, players can claim the following items:

  • Aston Martin Lucky Badge – 1500 Luck Vouchers
  • Anubis Haute Couture Set – 600 Luck Vouchers
  • Emberfox Set – 600 Luck Vouchers
  • Neon Vixen Set – 600 Luck Vouchers
  • Cosmic Steel – 250 – 1500 Luck Vouchers
  • Quickfire – DBS – 250 Luck Vouchers
  • Royalcraft – Scar-L – 250 Luck Vouchers
  • Anubis Haute Couture Cover – 100 Luck Vouchers
  • Emberfox Cover – 100 Luck Vouchers
  • Neon Vixen Cover – 100 Luck Vouchers
  • Gas Canister Smoke Grenade – 30 Luck Vouchers
  • Aston Martin Parachute – 30 Luck Vouchers
  • Signal Scanner Ornament – 30 Luck Vouchers
  • Supply Crate Coupon – 5 Luck Vouchers
  • Classic Crate Coupon – 5 Luck Vouchers

Stay updated with the latest news in gaming and esports by signing up for early access to TalkEsport’s Mobile App. Follow us on Twitter and Google News to ensure you never miss the exciting updates.

Krafton Announces BGMI India-Korea Invitational Friendly Match

Hoax
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0
Krafton Announces BGMI India-Korea Invitational Friendly Match

Krafton, the developer behind Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), recently announced the BGMI India-Korea Invitational, a friendly BGMI match between two gaming power houses – India and South Korea. The much-anticipated tournament is scheduled to unfold later this year, bringing together the finest teams from both nations for an exhilarating showdown.

BGMI India-Korea Invitational: Everything We Know

Krafton re-launched BGMI in India on 29th May 2023 after getting a green signal from the government. However, the developers had to make a few changes to the game as recommended by the government. On 29th August, the game completed its three-month trial period set by the government.

Krafton, seizing the opportunity of the game’s re-launch, held its first press conference on 29th May 2023. Various media companies and industry insiders attended this event, and Talk Esport had the opportunity to attend it as well. During this press conference, Krafton pulled back the curtains on its plans for the future in India. One of the biggest highlights of this press conference was the announcement of a friendly BGMI match between India and South Korea – the BGMI India-Korea Invitational. 

BGMI India-Korea Invitational promises to fuse the competitive spirits of two gaming powerhouses – India and South Korea. This event is scheduled to take place between October and December 2023, most likely following the conclusion of the ongoing BGIS 2023 on 14th October. This event will be the first of its kind since BGMI’s launch in the country in 2021.

This unique event will witness 8 of Korea’s Battlegrounds Esports teams engage in a friendly face-off against the top 8 BGMI teams. The Indian teams participating in this event will be the top 8 teams in the BGIS 2023 Grand Finals. Notably, BGMI does not support international matchmaking. As a result, Krafton will fly the Korean teams to India to compete in this event. 

The BGMI India-Korea Invitational will be a huge event for the Indian BGMI community. Interestingly, Indian teams have not played any global or international tournament over the last year due to the game’s suspension. It will be interesting to see how Indian teams perform in this event.

Stay updated with the latest news in gaming and esports by signing up for early access to TalkEsport’s Mobile App. Follow us on Twitter and Google News to ensure you never miss the exciting updates.

EA FC 24 Ultimate Team: All you need to know

Aritra Patra
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EA FC 24 Ultimate Team: All you need to know

The world of football gaming is set for a significant shift as EA introduces its new series, EA FC 24, distancing itself from the FIFA branding. With the transition, many fans have been left wondering about the fate of the beloved Ultimate Team mode. Let’s delve into what’s in store for this fan-favorite feature.

Moving away from the FIFA brand, EA is launching its new series, starting with EA FC 24. While this might seem like a drastic change, the game promises to retain the essence that has made it a favorite among football enthusiasts for decades. The game will be available across various platforms, and discussions about player ratings have already begun to make waves.

Will EA FC 24 have Ultimate Team?

The burning question on everyone’s mind: Will EA FC 24 feature the Ultimate Team mode? The answer is a resounding yes. EA has confirmed that the Ultimate Team mode will continue to be a part of the new series. This mode, which first debuted in FIFA 09, was EA’s brainchild and merely utilized the FIFA branding through a licensing agreement.

In their statement, EA reassured fans, stating, “Everything you love about our games will be part of EA SPORTS FC – the same great experiences, modes, leagues, tournaments, clubs, and athletes will be there. Ultimate Team, Career Mode, Pro Clubs, and VOLTA Football will all be there.”

While the FIFA branding might be missing, EA SPORTS FC won’t be resorting to fabricated team names or players. EA has already established partnerships with numerous leagues and clubs globally, ensuring that the game retains its authenticity. This commitment ensures that the Ultimate Team mode in EA SPORTS FC will continue to offer the realism that players have come to expect year after year.

Stay updated with the latest news in gaming and esports by signing up for early access to TalkEsport’s Mobile App. Follow us on Twitter and Google News to ensure you never miss the exciting updates.

Sony Hikes PlayStation Plus Prices by Up to $40

Aritra Patra
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Sony Hikes PlayStation Plus Prices by Up to $40

Sony’s PlayStation Plus, a cornerstone of the PlayStation gaming experience, is set to undergo a significant price revision. This move, while anticipated by some, has left many gamers evaluating the value proposition of the service. Let’s delve into the specifics of this change.

Details of the Price Increase

Starting September 6th, Sony will implement a price hike across all its PlayStation Plus subscription tiers. The Essential plan, previously priced at $60 annually, will now cost $80. The Extra plan will see a jump from $100 to $135, and the Premium plan will rise from $120 to $160.

For existing subscribers, there’s a silver lining. The new pricing will only be applicable from their next renewal date or after November 6th. However, any modifications to the current subscription, such as upgrades or downgrades, will immediately subject users to the revised rates.

Sony attributes this price increase to its commitment to delivering “high-quality games and value-added benefits” to its PlayStation Plus subscribers. The company emphasizes that even with the new pricing, the annual plans offer a more economical option compared to the monthly or quarterly subscriptions.

PlayStation Plus offers a rotating selection of games each month. For September, subscribers can look forward to titles like Saints Row, Black Desert: Traveler Edition, and Generation Zero.

While the price hike might be a point of contention for some, the quality and variety of games offered could still make it a worthwhile investment for dedicated gamers.

Stay updated with the latest news in gaming and esports by signing up for early access to TalkEsport’s Mobile App. Follow us on Twitter and Google News to ensure you never miss the exciting updates.

Apex Legends Season 19 Release Date

Aritra Patra
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Apex Legends Season 19 Release Date

Apex Legends, the battle royale sensation, is gearing up for its 19th season. With Season 18 in full swing and devoid of a new Legend or map, the community’s anticipation for the next season is palpable.

Let’s check out what we know so far about the upcoming season.

Apex Legends Season 19 Release Date

Season 18 of Apex Legends, while packed with action, did not introduce a new Legend or map. Instead, the focus was on the rework of Revenant. This has left players eagerly awaiting the next season’s offerings. According to the in-game timer of the Season 18 battle pass, Apex Legends Season 19 is set to launch on Tuesday, October 31. Concurrently, Season 18 will conclude on the same date.

While no new battle royale map was introduced since “Broken Moon” in Season 15, there’s speculation about the return of the “Storm Point” map. Initially expected in Season 18 due to various teasers, it was surprisingly removed from the map rotation. This move hints at significant changes to “Storm Point,” potentially making its revamped debut in Season 19. However, the introduction of an entirely new map might be reserved for a later season, possibly Season 20.

One of the most anticipated features of any new season is the introduction of a new Legend. Given that Season 18 did not bring a new character, expectations are high for Season 19. While the identity of the new Legend remains under wraps, there’s speculation around “Conduit,” a character leaked in 2022. Some believe Conduit could be Crypto’s foster sister, Mila.

Stay updated with the latest news in gaming and esports by signing up for early access to TalkEsport’s Mobile App. Follow us on Twitter and Google News to ensure you never miss the exciting updates.

Three New My Hero Academia Skins Leaked for Fortnite

Aritra Patra
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Three New My Hero Academia Skins Leaked for Fortnite

Fortnite, the gaming sensation that has taken the world by storm, is no stranger to collaborations. From pop stars to movie characters, the game has seen a plethora of unique skins. Now, the rumor mill is buzzing with news of a fresh collaboration with the popular anime series, My Hero Academia.

According to trusted leakers, Fortnite is gearing up to introduce three new skins inspired by My Hero Academia characters. The characters in question are Todoroki, Mina, and Kirishima. This revelation has stirred mixed reactions within the Fortnite community. While many are excited about the inclusion of Todoroki, some fans are puzzled by the choice of Mina and Kirishima, considering other more prominent characters in the anime.

This isn’t Fortnite’s maiden voyage into the My Hero Academia universe. Back in December 2022, the game unveiled a collaboration event introducing four iconic characters as skins: Midoriya, All Might, Bakugo, and Uraraka. This event was not just about skins; it also brought exclusive quests set on specially crafted islands, rewarding players with a range of customization items.

While the primary focus seems to be on the new skins, it remains uncertain if this collaboration will also introduce exclusive quests or other unique content. According to the leaks, this My Hero Academia collaboration is set to be part of the game’s Second Wave for the season.

With season four kicking off on August 25, fans can potentially expect this event to roll out around October. However, as with all leaks, it’s essential to take this information with a grain of salt until there’s an official announcement from Epic Games.

Stay updated with the latest news in gaming and esports by signing up for early access to TalkEsport’s Mobile App. Follow us on Twitter and Google News to ensure you never miss the exciting updates.

IShowSpeed Goes Off on OmeTV After Getting Banned for Being “Ugly”

Aritra Patra
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0
IShowSpeed Goes Off on OmeTV After Getting Banned for Being “Ugly”

In the ever-evolving world of online streaming, controversies are not uncommon. The latest to join the fray is IShowSpeed, a popular YouTuber, who recently faced multiple bans on the video chat platform OmeTV. The reason? He claims it’s due to his appearance.

IShowSpeed is no stranger to the limelight. With a staggering 20 million subscribers on YouTube, he has carved a niche for himself in the streaming community. His journey, however, hasn’t been without its fair share of ups and downs. From being rushed to the hospital due to health concerns to an inadvertent wardrobe malfunction that went viral, the star has seen it all.

During a recent broadcast, IShowSpeed decided to interact with fans on OmeTV, a platform akin to Omegle. But things took a turn when he was abruptly banned after a series of interactions. The reason cited by OmeTV was an “irrelevant image,” showcasing IShowSpeed in a playful facial expression.

The ban didn’t sit well with the streamer. He expressed his disbelief to his viewers, questioning, “They just banned me because of my face? Am I that ugly? Am I that f**king ugly?!” He had the option to self-unban after paying a fee, but the site once more banned him, causing a new outrage.

Post the incident, IShowSpeed shifted his streaming focus to Roblox. However, the OmeTV episode has sparked a debate among fans and fellow streamers. While some believe the ban was unwarranted, others feel platforms need more precise guidelines to avoid such controversies.

Stay updated with the latest news in gaming and esports by signing up for early access to TalkEsport’s Mobile App. Follow us on Twitter and Google News to ensure you never miss the exciting updates.

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