Fans of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive have been wondering for a long time whether Valve completely modified the source engine, which is obviously getting on in years, with the newer code framework Source 2 could replace. The Source 2 is used for the MOBA Dota 2 or the new VR shooter Half-Life: Alyx.
The well-known scene insider Nors3 has now surprisingly made clear statements on the subject. According to the Leaker, who refers to "reliable sources", enjoy it Upgrade from CS: GO to Source 2 currently "high priority" for Valve.
The alleged release of the revision is even in the near future: Nors3 says that it may only be two to four months, but also warns that this statement should be treated with caution. You are on the safer side if you roughly sometime in 2020 expect the Source 2 upgrade for CS: GO.
To be on the safe side, we say this again very clearly: This information is not official. Although Source 2 has been discussed earlier, Valve has not confirmed an appointment. So you should consider the information as a rumor and enjoy it with caution.
I asked. Source 2 is on the way for CSGO but that's not something shocking, we already knew time ago (even some dev talked openly about it in 2017).
Source 2 in CSGO is a priority for Valve now.
And "2 months" is a gamble leak. Keep it at "2020".
– Nors3 (@ Nors3) March 24, 2020
Why Source 2 makes sense for CS: GO
There are good reasons why Valve might consider switching to the newer Source 2 engine:
Strong numbers: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive remains a strong driver for Valve. Among other things, the new Operation Shattered Web has catapulted CS: GO back to the top of the Steam games with most of the simultaneously active players. Around a million players play the classic tactical shooter at the same time.
So Valve finds a good reason to keep the indestructible gameplay up to date. An upgrade to Source 2 could offer nicer graphic effects by switching from DirectX 9 to the Vulkan API.
Competition on the rise: Another factor could cause Valve CS: GO to modernize quickly and thus want to bind the player community more closely to itself. With the tactical shooter Valorant, LoL developer Riot Games is launching an open attack on the gameplay of Counter-Strike in summer 2020.
more on the subject
Pre-play preview of Valorant – Riot's tactical shooter wants Counter-Strike to run out of rank
This competitor is certainly no stranger to Valve, after all, Riot Games has been celebrating with League of Legends for 11 years now Success in the same water in which Valve fishes with Dota 2.
So it is conceivable that Valve with CS: GO too Stay competitive in the long run want. Time will tell whether this will result in a timely upgrade to Source 2.