Following concerns arising from non-prime players, CS:GO is making changes that will affect the community’s free-play members. It pertains to the limited benefits that come with the non-paid gaming experience.
Which Changes Can We Expect?
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) made a momentous decision when it went completely free-to-play back on December 6, 2018. A massive decision that sees a larger player base resulting from more user interest. But this free admission has also become an entryway for “bad actors” that brings toxicity into the entire CS:GO community. To counter this problem, Valve is making a serious option regarding non-paying users. Specifically, by segregating non-Prime players from Prime players, regarding in-game perks.
While non-Prime users will still be able to enjoy the full gamut of CS:GO, it comes with the limitation that no XP, Ranks, drops, or Skill Groups come with the experience. The latter especially applies to new players who play on either Competitive, Danger Zone, or Wingman. These benefits are inevitably given exclusively to Prime members.
Previously, free-to-play users were able to achieve Prime status through hard work in-game alone. But as part of the alterations, this option will also no longer be possible. But non-paying members can still opt to make the upgrade to Prime status via Steam at any time.
Lastly, there will be the introduction of ‘Unranked’ matches, which Prime players can participate in without any repercussion to their Skill Group. Additionally, this mode also pays no regard to lobby Skill Group restrictions.
Source: https://blog.counter-strike.net/
Editor’s Note: Dear Reader, this is an archived article from our CS GO news section published in late 2021, for the most recent news check out our main esports news category.