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In recent years, Live Service games have become the go-to model for most studios. This model offers free-to-play experiences and rakes in revenue through microtransactions and in-game purchases. It allows players to enjoy endless updates and fresh content while also keeping studios profitable.
And if we’re talking about live-service games, we simply can’t ignoreCounter-Strike, the title that started it all and set the bar high. While gamers enjoy theCSand its competitiveness, they might not know that it started out as a simple mod forHalf-Life, until Valve finally took notice.
The humble beginning of Live Service games withCounter-Strike
In 1999, Minh Le, a student and amateur developer, and Jess Cliffe, a level designer decided to work together and create a mod forHalf-Life. Their vision was simple: to create a multiplayer experience where players could compete as either terrorists or counter-terrorists in a series of fast-paced missions.
At its heart, the mod aimed to combine the intense action of a first-person shooter with strategic, team-based gameplay, which was rare for its time. Despite its massive popularity in the modding community,Counter-Strikeinitially had no official backing.
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The reason was simple: Not only it was just a passionate project of students but at the time, the concept was very new. However, upon its release, the modgained immense traction from players, thanks to its addictive gameplay and tight mechanics.
In 2000, it finally caught the eye of the developers of Valve, who hired Le and Cliffe, securing the rights toCounter-Strikeand turning it into a standalone title. This marked the birth of one of the most successful franchises in gaming history.
At the time of its release, the game laid the foundation for what we now know as the “live-service” game model, where there are ongoing updates, community-driven content, and new seasonal events that keep players engaged for a long time.
Counter-Strikehas evolved into a timeless experience
As Valve continued to refine the game over the years by adding new maps, weapons, and game modes,CSfound its place in the esports scene as well. Competitive play became a major part of the game’s identity, and tournaments began to draw in millions of viewers worldwide.
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Even today in 2025,CScontinues to be one of the most popular online multiplayer games,boastinga player base of over 900,000 daily active users. This popularity is thanks to the developer’s commitment. Recently, it released the game’s latest iteration:Counter-Strike 2with better graphics and internal changes.
In many ways, it was the prototype for the modern live service game, and given its success over the years, it has proven that a well-designed, constantly evolvinggame can keep players engagedfor years, even decades.
In the end, from its humble beginning as a mod forHalf-Lifeto earning its title as the “father of all live-service games,” it has redefined the landscape of online gaming and created a legacy that continues to influence the gaming industry to this day.
Shubham Chaurasia
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1368
At FandomWire, Shubham has spent over a year diving into the evolving world of live-service, action, and open-world games. Whether it’s the democratic galaxy of Helldivers 2 or finishing enemies in titles like Assassin’s Creed or Ghost of Tsushima, Shubham brings a sharp eye and genuine enthusiasm to everything he writes.When he’s not writing, you’ll probably catch him clutching rounds in Valorant or leaping off virtual cliffs into a pile of enemies for the perfect finisher. Outside of gaming, Shubham recharges by hitting the gym or heading out on long, spontaneous bike rides, always chasing the next open road. No matter the game or the gear, he’s always committed to bringing readers timely, accurate, and engaging updates from across the gaming industry.
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Counter-Strikecounter-strike 2Half-LifeValve
