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CS2 is out: the dawn of a new era!

It happened! Valve finally launched CS2 for free on the Steam platform. After months of speculation the new entry has finally arrived. Counter-Strike is finally running on a Source 2 engine.Valve dropped the bomb with a very nostalgic video reliving some of Counter-Strike biggest moments through the years. The evolution of the FPS game that defined an industry reminded us that CS2 is here to leave a mark. The actual and next generation will make new history on this playground. Rules have changed, the game has adapted and upgraded.https://twitter.com/CounterStrike/status/1707133016345338334It's been 12 years since the arrival of CS:GO. A game that represented a bigger transition in comparison to its predecessors, be it 1.6 or Source. This time around, the esports scene is SO much bigger and every tweak to CS is highly discussed.It remains true that CS2 isn't ready to guarantee competitive integrity. And even so, ESL will switch to the new title in the middle of Pro League. More organizers will follow and move to the new hot thing, but players will have a harder time because of it.This is meant to be temporary since updates are dropping most days now that CS2 has opened the gates and became flooded. Labeled as "The biggest technical improvement in the history of the franchise", all this improvements demand polish and even more attention to detail from the dev team.We will probably experience a turbulent period of things not working as intended, players exploiting game flaws and more. This is all part of a necessary process to fine-tune CS2 into the game that it sets out to be.

The Dota Pro Circuit is no more

Valve has announced that the current DPC will be replaced with a different system on 2024. The road to the biggest DOTA 2 tournament, The International, will change for good. After 3 years of regional leagues, it's time to shake things up (Earthshaker wink).Despite the stability and the rise of upcoming regions, the DPC slowly became... less and less entertaining. Even with more certainties for DPC players and teams, as well as consistent income for the tier 2 ecosystem (Division 2) wasn't enough to call it a success.As it turns out, all alerts went off after a long list of different sources called out a huge match-fixing problem. Persistent and troublesome to the leagues' integrity, what is also referred by the community as "322", ran especially rampant in Division 2 circuits.These two factors have stirred the current system. As Valve well puts it, "The world of competitive Dota has grown less exciting, less varied, and ultimately much less fun". That is why we can expect a mixed format that could bring back unique events just like the Minors that were so popular before regional leagues became a thing. Valve will expand on their plans the following months.For now, we can get ready to enjoy The International 2023 with the awaited Compendium. In a month we will have the 2023 champions lifting up the Aegis at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.

MK 1 and Riot’s Project L: New contenders join the fight!

Kicking it off with Street Fighter VI's mid-year launch, the fighting game community feel like they get to explore an entire new chapter for the genre: Mortal Kombat 1 is practically here and Project L has already provided a playable version to the public at EVO.Mortal Kombat 1 looks to "reset lore" through Liu Kang's efforts as a keeper of time crafting a new era of piece. This is a truly special entry for NetherRealm Studios, having gone full circle and back to Midway Games' original goal. As it moves around relationships, conflicts and character backgrounds; Jean-Claude Van Damme gets to become Johny Cage after 30 years.https://youtu.be/MYa7L4jp11E?si=4VD5FiyurLtrbgDmRiot Games broadens its horizons as it has done so already through VALORANT's success. It also had a go with the digital collectible card game genre through Legends of Runeterra. Now, their efforts are directed to a promising fighting game known by "Project L". Carrying the universe of League of Legends over, making your favourite champions have a go at each other.Project L looks to stand out with a unique tag-team fighter style. Encounters go down in a 2v2 format where you can either play both of your characters or split the burden with a friend. The game gives the tag-team system a big priority as a core element that makes its combat unique. It also opens up a door for duos competition. You will be able to 1v1, 2v2 or even 1v2.https://youtu.be/OVmcADoiBu8?si=5gsuL7pSvp0JYG_uWhile we all want them to succeed and open new opportunities for the FGC, it is still too early to jump to conclusions. Will they be able to captivate new players to the genre? Will they set new foundations for high profile competitions?There is certainly a lot of thought and effort put into them. Stick around and find out if this is indeed a new chapter or just a big flop.

Is Counter-Strike 2 ready for launch?

When it comes to FPS esports games, the first that comes to mind has to be Counter-Strike. No shooter has nearly as much history as Valve's Counter-Terrorist vs Terrorists CS. That is why it became the biggest news when Valve announced not only that CS2 was well nearly here, but that the esports scene would be migrating to the new entry as soon as official launch arrived.Limited beta access immediately became the top wishlisted item on all early christmas present lists. That being said, Valve kept the initial amount tight until recently. While many showed great excitement for CS2's new visuals, physics, gunplay and more; not everything felt up to standards.Valve has counted on pro-players' feedback regarding movement, gun-spray, recoil, utility, sound, responsiveness, peeking, latency. The esports scene needs Counter-Strike 2 to become the heir to Global Offensive, a title that has been under polishing for over a decade.While many understand that CS2 will become better over time, others are afraid that the experience may change for good (or worse). Every time Counter-Strike launched a new game, some things have become different. But does it have to be a bad thing?There are plenty of intended and explicit modifications. For example, CS2 removed skyboxes. Meaning that players can throw utility as high as they want without bouncing with an invisible roof. This is very impactful to strategy and competitiveness, opening up nearly infinite possibilities.Smokes are now dynamic and more realistic, covering all in their radius reacting to space, bullets and grenades. Also, maps have changed to different grades. There is no mistaking that this is a new game.As expected of a beta, there are plenty of bugs that need fixing. Even though Valve has addressed many callouts, work is still under way. But there is a matter more concerning, which may turn out hard to swallow for some: Is Counter Strike 2 ready for launch?There is certainly a lot of work to be done before the game should be launched, but just like pretty much every esports title, updates won't stop then. Improvements and quality changes will continue to be released over and over. Valve just has to make sure that the game is good enough to ensure competitiveness as it plans to have its first CS2 Major in early 2024.The community continues to make their voice be heard and with more beta access released every few days the goal should be achievable. However, the new installment is set to come out anywhere between now and September 23. Time is running short if Valve is to keep true to their announcement. Will CS2 make it?

Potter: The first woman to ever win VALORANT Champions

Photo by Colin Young-Wolff/Riot GamesLast Saturday, the North-American organization Evil Geniuses wrote new VALORANT history for the region after a 3-1 Grand Finals victory against Paper Rex. EG managed to take revenge after a 2-1 defeat against them in the Winner's Bracket Finals. This was how Christine "Potter" Chi became the first woman to raise the biggest trophy.The Evil Geniuses' coach who was once under fire for lacking performances at the beginning of the regional league, managed one of the most impressive comebacks the esport has witnessed. With the arrival of duelist player Demon1 and by a stroke of faith qualified to NA playoffs after MIBR's unexpected victory over 100Thieves, EG turned things around. Not only did they qualify to Tokio's Masters, but managed to become the event's runner up after losing to Fnatic.It was at VALORANT Champions where Potter's coaching capabilities truly shined together with the EG squad. Her victory is cheered by all, signifying a big step forward for all women looking to make it to the big leagues. It is Riot Games hope that female VALORANT circuit, Game Changers, one day becomes unnecessary. Once women and minorities can become a part of the circuit and compete at the highest level. Many of them may already have the skill required but lack the opportunity.https://twitter.com/EvilGeniuses/status/1695580999529247082Potter's coaching skills and likeable personality have granted her a huge fanbase. She is practically considered the 6th player of the EG squad. Her role and direction has proven elemental to their success.A new milestone for women in esports on the biggest stage translates to huge inspiration and motivation for upcoming talents. Bit by bit, we are getting there. It is a matter of time and many steps forward ahead.

How to play in Clash Royale tournaments in Blast

In this guide we'll go over 3 easy steps to join a Clash Royale tournament in Blast.If you don't have a Blast account yet, check this guide firstNext, we will connect your CR account in your profile. To do so, go over the Profile sectionIn this section, you need to input your Player Tag that you obtain from the game. To find it, tap in the banner with your name in the home screen of the game.Then copy the tag (shown in the red box) to the input box in your profile.And simply click Connect, if the tag is correct, you'll see a notification confirming your account is now connected. Keep in mind '0's and 'O's look really similar in the game to avoid any mistakes.3. Last step is to find a CR tournament in the app and Join, if it's a Team tournament, you will first go to the Team section, create your team and invite your squad to join it.And that's it ! If you have any doubts, please contact us through Discord.

Call of Duty MW3: New gameplay footage is hyping up fans

The latest entry of the COD franchise to drop on November has the community excited but also wary. For many, MW2 offered a disappointing multiplayer experience that didn't quite offer the movement and pace most fans are used to loving. The third title of the reimagined Modern Warfare saga is looking to change that.CampaignThe latest gameplay reveal presents the first level of the Modern Warfare 3 campaign, known as operation 627. Alpha Team brings havoc to an enemy complex infiltrating by the sea.It is time to come back to long requested Verdansk. Gameplay reveal let us have a good look at important details like gun recoil, AI behaviour and breath taking in-game cinematics and transitions. COD campaigns have been receiving a lot of praise after this footage release, but that also can be taken as criticism to the multiplayer experience in MW2.What's new and what's better about MW3?While there was a rumor going around that MW3 would be a DLC content, this was confirmed to be fake. Even better, Activision has already confirmed the return of the slide cancelling and the classic minimap. Not only that, but the new entry will innovate with a new aiming option called Tac-Stance. This will allow players a middle ground between shooting from the hip and aiming down sights.https://twitter.com/SHGames/status/1692281441571176870Open World Zombies?Squads will be able to team up with each other and fight across a large open-world map. With several missions scattered across different territories and with an escalating difficulty, there's the promise of loads of secrets to discover. The story for this mode will be set in the Modern Warfare reboot universe and focus on the "unearthly" Dark Aether zombies.The zombies mode has been a fan-favourite for COD fans but not every release lands it. Players more interested in the PvE and cooperative mode of the franchise will hope for its success.When can I play it?!Eager players will be able to try out all new features and movement through beta access. PlayStation players will have early access October 6th and 7th. PS open beta will arrive from the 8th to 10th. The crossplay beta will include all other platforms, with early access October 12th and 13th. Similarly, the open beta will last 3 days from the 14th to 16th. The game will launch officially November 10th on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4 & PS5.

How to find your Steam ID for your Blast profile

You can find your Steam ID (this is actually called SteamID64) in 3 simple steps, let's go over them.1) Open SteamGo to the drop down menu in the top right corner of the steam applicationSimply click in that menu, you will see this:Click on 'Account details' to open your account details page in the application2) That long number in the red box is your Steam ID! Simply copy that big number to your clipboard3) Go back to your Blast profile and paste it in the Gaming Account boxClick on the 'Connect' button and that's it, your account is ready!Next step is to find a tournament and join !

Baldur’s Gate 3: The D&D RPG experience that is revolutionizing the industry

Get ready to get lost in Baldur's Gate 3 – a gaming masterpiece that's like living out a real Dungeons & Dragons adventure. Imagine facing off against an ancient god's doomsday weapon or rescuing prisoners in a sinking underwater jail. Picture hanging out in a haunted pub, trying to outdrink a zombie bartender. And that's just the beginning!Truly Authentic D&D:Baldur's Gate 3 feels like you're truly in a D&D game. It's like the Dungeon Master guiding your adventure, reminding you that this is more than just a game – it's a shared story. Whether it's epic showdowns or silly encounters, the game is all about creating moments you'll remember.This feeling of authenticity is the game's secret weapon, as it constantly nudges players to embrace the roleplaying aspect. It's not just about wielding power; it's about co-authoring an evolving story.A Playground of Choice:With over 130 hours of gameplay, Baldur's Gate 3 is like a massive playground. The main story is just a suggestion; you'll stumble upon hidden quests and unexpected storylines. It's not just about the power you have in the game – it's about the journey you shape. The freedom to zigzag across the threads of the main story and reevaluate decisions lends weight and permanence to choices.Characters that Breathe:Meet the "Origin" characters, who seamlessly become part of your story. Their tales of faith, identity, and redemption make them more than just typical RPG characters. They're like friends with their own stories.From radiant magic-wielding clerics to indecisive fanatical fighters, they make the game feel even more immersive beyond the protagonist's own narrative.Narrative Versatility:Baldur's Gate 3 combines an amazing story with complex gameplay mechanics. You'll solve puzzles, fight enemies, and find hidden character traits. Romance is handled in a mature way, reflecting different personalities and expressions.A world inviting discovery:The game's huge, and you might miss stuff. There are hidden treasures, quests you might not stumble upon, and unexpected challenges. As you dig deeper, the second act gets tougher, taking you away from the fairy tale vibe of the first part. It's like a roller coaster you don't want to end.A Few Cracks Amid Brilliance:Sometimes the game stutters a bit, and the camera isn't always perfect. But don't worry, it doesn't mess up the fun. Baldur's Gate 3's rules and cool abilities stay true to D&D, making battles and spells a blast. The game's fidelity to D&D's ruleset and its complexity in abilities, spells, and encounters remains.A New Gold Standard:Baldur's Gate 3 redefines the genre and stands poised to be mentioned in the same breath as the most revered D&D adventures. It has proven to go beyond an experience for 'RPG nerds'; it's proof that storytelling in games can be mind-blowing. Whether you're a gamer or just love a good story, this game is a must-play that'll leave you totally amazed.As a consequence, gamers remain hopeful for the launch of Starfield next month. As we mentioned previously, it is the most awaited RPG from Bethesda in a long time. The space-featured adventure could continue to lead the genre from a hit to another. But for that, we will have to wait until September 6th.In the meantime, we have plenty to enjoy with a very potent dose of fantasy and plenty of different storylines to enjoy in Baldurs' Gate 3.