CS:GO Followers Unsatisfied With The Distribution Of Counter-Strike 2 Beta Keys

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The beta release of Counter-Strike 2 last week has some players frustrated due to the restrictions on entry. This game has been a sudden surprise in the gaming world this year, and many PC gamers are eager to get their hands on it.

The PC gaming community was quickly elated last week with the news of Counter-Strike 2’s impending release. Its predecessor, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, has been a dominant figure in the multiplayer shooter genre for more than a decade, and it has continued the legacy established by the very first Counter-Strike. Counter-Strike 2 looks to follow suit, as gamers will be able to keep their CS:GO skins and the maps will be enhanced with improved visuals and sound design. Those interested can get a preview of the changes by playing the limited test, although access to it is limited.

Valve’s system for granting beta access to gamers has been met with some dissatisfaction since it appears to factor in the number of play hours they have on official CS:GO servers before the launch of the restricted test. This has caused frustration in the gaming community, as people have been actively playing the game lately in the hopes of attaining beta access; in fact, the game broke Steam records for concurrent players after the announcement of Counter-Strike 2. The CS:GO community’s frustration was made known in the replies to the official Counter-Strike Twitter account.

PSA: Idling on official matchmaking servers in CS:GO does not increase your chances of making into the CS2 Limited Test. The playtime that counts was your playtime prior to the start of the Limited Test.

— CS2 (@CounterStrike) March 27, 2023

Players expressed frustration over Valve’s lack of communication and the seemingly arbitrary nature of the selection process. Another criterion for the Counter-Strike 2 limited test is that players must have a good trust factor, indicating that those without any bans or VAC violations are more likely to be chosen. YouTuber Bibanator highlighted that even after attaining the requirements and having 18,000 hours of playtime, they were not given access. Streamer Bordie from Australia further pointed out how the current selection system may disadvantage individuals from certain regions.

The immense interest Counter-Strike 2 has engendered just days after its unveiling makes it a top pick for the most awaited PC games of the year. Sadly, some of the enthusiasm has been muted by the minimal access to the beta, which has caused disappointment, in addition to providing an avenue for Counter-Strike 2 beta access scams. It will likely be a while until Counter-Strike 2 is released, so Valve has a great chance to better its selection process to serve players better before the launch.