Viewing Guide

Prepared by: Luc Ryu

Guide Mandate

The purpose of this guide is to familiarize new viewers to the game of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (“CSGO”), specifically in time for theplayoff rounds of the ELEAGUE major which start on January 27, 2017.

This guide will aim to introduce readers to the development of Counter-Strike as a franchise, as well as the evolution of the Counter-Strikecompetitive scene. This guide will then delve into the basic knowledge needed for the viewing experience, such as:

- Key technical skills required from the players;

- Objectives of the game, and an introduction to high-level strategy; and

- Overview of the spectator’s heads-up-display.

The guide will then conclude with a brief introduction to the remaining teams, such that readers can have a chance to find a team to cheerfor.

Please note, that this viewing guide is meant to be catered to first-time viewers that are new to the Counter-Strike franchise. As such, thereare many advanced concepts about the gameplay that have been omitted. I have done my best to filterand select the information that I believe to be the most integral to first-time viewers, but differences inopinion are sure to exist.

I hope you enjoy the presentation, learn something new about the Counter-Strike franchise and its

competitive environment, and ultimately tune in to watch the playoffs of the ELEAGUE major.

Should you have any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate in reaching out – always more

than happy to have a chat about eSports.

- Luc “rofldogs” Ryu

1. Background of the Game

History of Counter-Strike

The original game that spawned the Counter-Strike franchise actually began as a fan-modified version of an existing game, Half-Life. The developers behind the mod, and the intellectual property behind it, were purchased, and the first official game, Half-Life: Counter-Strike (colloquially known as Counter-Strike 1.6)*, was released in 2000.

Since the original version, a trio of sequels have been created, with varying degrees of reception and commercial success.

(2000)

Counter-Strike 1.6

Metacritic: 88/100

GameSpot: 8.4/10

IGN: 8.9/10

*The “1.6” refers to the final version update given to the game by the developers.

(2004)

Metacritic: 65/100

GameSpot: 6.8/10

IGN: 7.0/10

Overall a poorly received game,the game suffered from multiplechanges in developers. Thecompetitive scene did not migratefrom the original game.

Condition Zero

(2004)

Metacritic: 88/100

GameSpot: 8.9/10

IGN: 8.7/10

Source featured a return to thefamiliar game modes, and a new3D video game engine. Althoughadoption rates were highamongst players, the competitivescene never fully took off.

Source

(2012)

Metacritic: 83/100

GameSpot: 8.5/10

IGN: 8.0/10

Despite relatively lower ratings,CSGO returned legacy players toa feel much more similar to theoriginal CS1.6, and provided amuch needed update after 8years.

Global Offensive

What is Counter-Strike

Counter-Strike is an online multiplayer game, in the first-person shooter (“FPS”) category of videogames. The quickest explanation of the game category lies within the name – refer to the screenshotof the game below:

First-person perspective Shooting a weapon

If this is your first time hearing about the FPS category, you may actually recognize

these popular FPS titles, if:

If you have young children prone to

mood swings.

If you were once a gamer but then had to

deal with real life.

History of CS:GO Majors

A Major is a tournament sponsored by game developer, Valve. Majors typically have higher prize poolscompared to other tournaments, and also include special in-game features for casual players.

MLG Columbus

03/29/16 – 04/03/16

- $1M total prize pool- 1.6M peak concurrent viewers- 45 million hours watched

1st

2nd

Location: Nationwide Arena

ESL One: Cologne

07/05/16 – 07/10/16

- $1M total prize pool- 14,000 in-person viewers- 31 million hours watched

1st

2nd

Location: Lanxess Arena

DH: Cluj – Napoca

10/28/15 – 11/01/15

- $250K total prize pool- 1.0M peak concurrent viewers- 31 million hours watched

1st

2nd

Location: Sala Polivalenta

-

250,000

500,000

750,000

1,000,000

1,250,000

1,500,000

1,750,000

Peak Concurrent Viewers

No

info

pro

vid

ed

2. Basics of Gameplay

Basic Controls to Gameplay

Although there are many different types of FPS games, CSGO falls under a more “realistic” category. All weaponsare based on real-life models, and the basic laws of physics apply*. There are three general components to CSGOgameplay, and a mastery of these three helps to identify a technically-skilled player:

1 Movement Control 2 Perspective Control 3 Weapon Control

Movement is based around the “WASD”keys on the keyboard, where “W” and “S”move the character forward and backward,respectively, and where “A” and “D” strafethe character left, and right, respectively.

Holding the “Shift” key will make thecharacter walk, and holding the “CTRL” keywill make them crouch.

The perspective of the character iscontrolled with the mouse. The weaponsare always aimed down the middle of thecharacter’s perspective.

This can be considered the equivalent toreal-life “aiming”. Quick and accuratemouse movements equate to good aim inCSGO.

Similarly to real-life, there is kick-back(“recoil”) on weapons. As such, prowess inaiming is not always enough, as recoilbegins to affect the trajectory / accuracy ofbullets after the third bullet for most guns.

Players must compensate for the recoil byaiming in the opposite direction, or byshooting controlled bursts.

A Game of Senses

In addition to putting all three movement components together to out-maneuver and out-aim their opponents, players must also rely on their other senses.

“Game-sense”, refers to the ability to analyze a situation given certain information. It is a by-product of years of practice.

“Soundplay”, refers to the usage of aural cues for additional information. Sounds are omnidirectional, and can be used to locate enemies.

Teammates must also communicate effectively to relay information and develop strategies real-time.

*Relative to most other FPS games. The game isn’t scientifically in-depth enough to consider hardcore science like the Coriolis effect or anything.

Objectives of the Game

CS:GO matches (“maps”) are played by two teams of five players. Maps are comprised of multiple rounds, where one team winsbased on the completion of their objectives (see below). Teams take turns playing as either Counter-Terrorists (“CTs”) or Terrorists(“Ts”). Teams switch sides after 15 rounds, and the first team to win 16 rounds wins the map*.

During the ELEAGUE playoff rounds, games will be in a best-of-three-maps format. The first team to win two maps will win thematchup.

CT Win Conditions

- Eliminate all of the Ts;

- If the bomb is planted, defuse it; or

- Have time expire.

T Win Conditions

- Eliminate all of the CTs; or

- Plant the bomb, and have it detonate.

* If the map is tied 15 – 15 by the end of the 30th round, the map goes into overtime where teams switch sides after 3 rounds, and the first team to win 4 rounds wins. If teams split the overtime 3 – 3, the map will go into double-overtime with the same setup. This will continue until one team wins 4 rounds.

One of the win conditions is related to the status of the bomb. There are a number of details about the bomb that must be noted:

- One Terrorist player randomly begins the round with the bomb;

- The bomb can be dropped intentionally, or upon death, and can only be picked up / moved by Terrorists;

- Bombs can only be planted on specific areas of the map (“bomb sites”); and

- All maps have two bomb sites (“A” and “B”).

Map Layout x Objectives

A simplified way of seeing CS:GO is as a game of Attack and Defense, where the Terrorists are attacking to gain entry into a bombsite, while the Counter-Terrorists are defending to protect against the bomb being planted.

Apart from their objectives, there are other key differences between the CTs and Ts that will be discussed later in the guide. Thegraphic below shows a blueprint-view of de_dust2, one of the seven maps that can be played. The image on the left half has Englishcallouts that label certain areas of the map. Callouts are integral to in-game communication between teammates.

Teams must rely on a combination ofindividual skill, and team co-ordination inorder to win rounds.

Note the proximity of CT Spawn to the twobomb sites, A and B, compared to T Spawn.

By being closer, CTs gain the advantage of being able to set-up first, – patient in the bomb site, or pushed up and ready to engage.

The Ts, however, have a numbers advantage: the CTs are spread between the two bomb sites. Well coordinated attacks are imperative.

Economic Maintenance

In order to attack and defend effectively, players must inevitably make upgrades to their weapons and purchase tools such asgrenades. At the beginning of the game, all players start with a basic pistol, a knife, and $800. Players earn money in two mainways: passively, or actively (see below). Whenever a player dies, they will lose all of their equipment, respawn with the same basicpistol and knife, and have to re-buy whatever firearms and tools they need with the money that they have saved up.

1 Passive Income

All players passively earn income at the end of a round. Theamount earned depends on whether their team won or lost theround, and how they won or lost the round.

2 Active Income

Players can earn income individually by completing certainobjectives. The amount is agnostic to whether or not the round iswon or lost.

Condition Income per Player

Win by bomb detonation / defusal $3,500

Win by elimination of enemies $3,250

Lose a round* $1,400 - $3,400

*”Loss bonuses” ramp up based on the number of consecutive rounds lost (max 5).

Action Income to Player

Plant / defuse the bomb $300

Eliminate an enemy $100 - $1,500

* The income earned for an elimination is dependent on the weapon used based on a risk / reward system (e.g. kills with a knife reward $1,500)

Purchasing Decisions

There are many factors that impact a team’s purchasing decision (the score, the opponents’ economies, etc.). The following represent the mostcommon purchasing decisions:

- “Eco-round” / “Save round”: Players limit their purchases with the intention of saving money for the next round (upgraded pistol, grenades)

- “Anti-eco”: Players anticipate the opponents will run an eco-round, and purchase weapons that generate more income (SMGs, shotguns)

- “Full-buy”: Players purchase everything they need (rifle, armor, grenades). Usually requires at least $5,000.

Weapons Overview (Guns)

Guns are what drive the FPS genre, and CSGO is no exception. Although many guns are shared by the CTs and Ts, each haveweapons that are unique to their team. The following are the most common guns:

Secondary Weapons (Pistols)

USP-S (Free)

A basic pistol for the CTs. It features high accuracy with low recoil, but is hampered by a small magazine.

Glock-18 (Free)

The basic pistol for the Ts. It has a higher rate of fire than the USP-S, but suffers from low damage.

Desert Eagle ($700)

An iconic pistol. A headshot guarantees a one-hit-kill, but the high recoil makes it a difficult gun to use.

CT ONLY T ONLY

Primary Weapons (Rifles)

M4A1 ($3,100)

The staple CT assault rifle, the M4A1 offers accuracy, low-recoil, and respectable damage. Optional silencer.

AK47 ($2,700)

The T counterpart to the M4A1, the AK47 offers higher damage per bullet, but has greater recoil.

AWP ($4,750)

The sniper’s weapon of choice. This bolt-action sniper rifle deals fatal damage when it hits above the pelvic area. Very expensive.

CT ONLY T ONLY

Weapons Overview (Other)

Where guns are the key to eliminations, grenades and other tools are what are necessary to support the high-level strategies. Thefollowing are the most commonly used grenades and tools:

Grenades

HE Grenade ($300)The high-explosive grenade – a cheap way to soften up enemies moving in groups or to clear zones.

Smoke Grenade ($300)Smoke grenades help to provide cover, but must be thrown accurately to fully cover sightlines.

Flashbang($200 x 2)Flashbangs temporarily white-out the vision of any player that sees it detonate, and deafen those in the area.

Molotovs($400 T; $600 CT)Molotovs spread fire when they detonante. They are highly effective in halting advances, or flushing out hiding spots.

Other Tools

Kevlar ($650) and Helmet ($350)

Kevlar and helmets help to lessen damage received. They lose durability every shot that they take.

Helmets can save players from one-hit-kill headshots from certain guns.

Defusal Kit ($400)

Defusal Kits are arguably the most important investment in the game. They reduce the time it takes for a CT to defuse a planted bomb from 10seconds to 5 seconds.

CT ONLY

3. Spectating Experience

Spectator HUD Overview

The viewing experience takes place throughthe spectator heads-up display (“HUD”). TheHUD helps keep track of different aspectsof the game for third parties, in order tokeep the viewing experience simple andeasy to follow. The following pages willhighlight the key components of the HUD.

Spectator HUD Overview Cont’d

This top component provides the most basic information:

- The time remaining in the round;

- The number of rounds won for each team; and

- The total value of equipment owned by eachteam.

With the exception of the round timer, there is no otherinformation in this section of the HUD that has to be kepttrack of during a round.

At the beginning of each round, this summary will appearfor each player, showing the following:

- The amount of money each player has;

- The amount of money each player spent thisround; and

- Each players’ score (kills / assists / deaths).

Glancing at each player’s economic condition can helpviewers anticipate what type of playstyle to expect (ecoround, vs. full buy, etc.).

Considerations at the beginning of a round:

Spectator HUD Overview Cont’d

This component in the top-left is the mini-map. It providesa blueprint-like layout of the entire map, and the locationof all 10 players.

As the round develops, it is important to keep track of theposition of the players relative to one another, as it canprovide information on the strategies that are being set-up (e.g. set executes into a bomb site, flanks, etc.)

These summaries of the player show the following:

- The health of the players;

- Their current equipment (guns, grenades,armor); and

- The bomb, or defusal kits.

Keeping track of grenades as the round progresses canhelp identify the efficacy of re-take scenarios for CTs.

Considerations throughout the round:

This information specifies the player that is beingspectated, and their current health / armor.

Note: The spectator will almost always have“X-ray vision” on, which shows outlines of allplayers through walls and objects.

The players do not play with this on. It is onlyfor the viewing experience.

4. Introduction to the Teams

Natus Vincere (3 – 0)

Group Play Scores

W | 16 – 3 | vs. mousesportsW | 16 – 6 | vs. EnVyUs @ de_cbbleW | 16 – 3 | vs. SK Gaming @ de_dust2

Na ‘ Vi

Group Play MVP

Egor ‘flamie’ Vasilyev

- HLTV Rating1: 1.70- ADR2: 122.3- K/D Ratio3: 2.20Currently ranked 1st across all major stats.

Built on the foundations of one of the mostsuccessful Counter-Strike lineups of all time, NatusVincere lives up to the meaning of their name – “bornto win.” Masters of the methodical approach, theirstar-filled roster can carry games single-handedly,making them one of the most exciting teams towatch.

@ de_cbble

BYE

BYE

1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

Virtus Pro (3 – 0)

Group Play Scores

W | 16 – 13 | vs. OpTicW | 16 – 14 | vs. G2 Esports @ de_nukeW | 16 – 10 | vs. Gambit @ de_train

Virtus Pro

Group Play MVP

Janusz ‘Snax’ Pogorzelski

- HLTV Rating1: 1.44- ADR2: 89.6- K/D Ratio3: 1.85Ranked 1st in clutch situations (1 vs X) won

The Polish powerhouse includes some of the moststoried players in Counter-Strike’s rich history. Amomentum-based team that has the potential to rollover anyone in their way has earned the fan-drivennickname “Virtus Plow.” Capable of beating anyone,this team is hungry to dominate the competition inthe ELEAGUE Major.

@ de_cbble

BYE

BYE

1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

Group Play Scores Group Play MVP

W | 16 – 7 | vs. HellraisersW | 19 – 17 | vs. FaZe Clan @ de_mirageL | 3 – 16 | vs. Na’Vi @ de_dust2W | 19 – 17 | vs. Astralis @ de_dust2

- HLTV Rating1: 1.70- ADR2: 122.3- K/D Ratio3: 2.20Ranked 2nd in Kill – Death differential at +39.

SK Gaming

SK Gaming (3 – 1)

Flying the flag for Brazilian Counter-Strike, SK Gaminghas risen from obscurity to become one of the bestteams in the world. These back-to-back majorholders blend a tactical approach with explosive aim,and have grown to become one of the mostcomplete competitors in the ELEAGUE Major.

Marcelo ‘coldzera’ David@ de_mirage

BYE1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

Group Play Scores Group Play MVP

L | 10 – 16 | vs. G2 EsportsW | 16 – 13 | vs. North @ de_cbbleW | 16 – 11 | vs. mousesports @ de_dust2W | 16 – 11 | vs. EnVyUs @ de_cbble

- HLTV Rating1: 1.10- ADR2: 78.4- K/D Ratio3: 1.17Ranked 4th in success in opening duels at 70.4%.

Fnatic

Fnatic (3 – 1)

The kings of Counter-Strike, the Fnatic name issynonymous with achievement. After lower thanexpected performances recently, along with recentroster changes that shook the community, Fnaticlooks to regain their place as the best team in theworld. With the ELEAGUE Major as their only focus,this team is destined to prove their worth.

Olof ‘olofmeister’ Kajbjer@ de_cache

BYE1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

Group Play MVPGroup Play Scores

W | 16 – 8 | vs. NorthW | 16 – 9 | vs. GODSENT @ de_overpassL | 10 – 16 | vs. Virtus Pro @ de_trainW | 16 – 14 | vs. FaZe Clan @ de_overpass

- HLTV Rating1: 1.42- ADR2: 103.0- K/D Ratio3: 1.54Ranked 2nd in damage per round at 103.0.

Gambit

Gambit Gaming (3 – 1)

A squad assembled from Russia and Kazakhstansees a return for some of the game's oldest veterans.A pundit’s nightmare, the team's recent pick-up of ex-Na'Vi fame Zeus has revitalized their will to win. Aftertwo recent first-place finished at local tournaments,Gambit looks to replicate this successful run in theELEAGUE Major.

Dauren ‘AdreN’ Kystaubayev@ de_cbble

BYE1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

Group Play MVPGroup Play Scores

L | 6 – 16 | vs. GODSENTW | 16 – 12 | vs. OpTic @ de_trainW | 16 – 5 | vs. G2 Esports @ de_trainL | 17 – 19 | vs. SK Gaming @ de_dust2

- HLTV Rating1: 1.40- ADR2: 93.5- K/D Ratio3: 1.71Ranked 1st in Kill – Death differential at +50.

Astralis

Astralis (3 – 2)

One of the most consistent teams in the world, theDanish squad always performs well, but seems tofalter often at the final hurdle. Fresh off their bestperformances yet, they return to the ELEAGUE Majorlooking to silence their critics and show they havethe caliber to be champions.

Nicolai ‘device’ Reedtz@ de_train

W | 16 – 3 | vs. Team Liquid @ de_mirage1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

Group Play MVPGroup Play Scores

W | 16 – 9 | vs. Flipsid3L | 17 – 19 | vs. SK Gaming @ de_mirageW | 22 – 18 | vs. Team Liquid @ de_nukeL | 14 – 16 | vs. Gambit @ de_overpass

- HLTV Rating1: 1.17- ADR2: 78.4- K/D Ratio3: 1.34Ranked 1st among remaining players in AWP kills.

FaZe Clan

FaZe Clan (3 – 2)

Originally assembled as a group of fan favorites, FaZehas evolved, looking to reward their loyal fan basewith trophies in the cabinet. The team has alwaysmaintained a blend of players from all over Europe.but have recently added the veteran player and in-game leader Karrigan. Since he joined the team hasbeen improving as he uses his tactical acumen to getthe best out of his talented roster.

Aleksi ‘allu’ Jalli@ de_nuke

W | 16 – 11 | vs. EnVyUs @ de_nuke1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

Group Play MVPGroup Play Scores

L | 8 – 16 | vs. GambitL | 13 – 16 | vs. Fnatic @ de_cbbleW | 19 – 15 | vs. Hellraisers @ de_mirageW | 16 – 9 | vs. G2 Esports @ de_overpass

- HLTV Rating1: 1.16- ADR2: 90.7- K/D Ratio3: 1.15Ranked 1st in headshots at 63.

North

North (3 – 2)

The Danish team emerged from a period of turmoilto start climbing the ladder with results that madethe Counter-Strike world pay close attention. On theheels of breakout tournament wins over the bestteams in the world and recent creation of a neworganization known as NORTH, the Danes aim tokeep the momentum going to the ELEAGUE Major.

Emil ‘Magisk’ Reif@ de_cbble

W | 19 – 17 | vs. GODSENT @ de_overpass1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

4. Conclusion / Final Remarks

Conclusion

Thank you for reading my viewing guide for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Even if you don’t plan ontuning into the playoffs this weekend (January 27 – 29), I hope that, at the very least, you were able tolearn something new about the Counter-Strike franchise, and its place in the eSports environment.

For those of you who do plan on watching, I genuinely hope you enjoy whatmay be your first Counter-Strike viewing experience. With growing amountsof investment pouring into the industry, it may only be a matter of time

before eSports spectacles, such as the ELEAGUE major, become astaple of modern entertainment.

https://www.twitch.tv/eleaguetv

View the ELEAGUE major at:

Ask your cable service provider.

http://www.metacritic.com/

http://www.gamespot.com/

http://ca.ign.com/

http://www.pngall.com/counter-strike-png

https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/mlg-columbus-csgo-viewership-record-3177

http://www.thescoreesports.com/csgo/news/9090-esl-one-cologne-2016-sees-record-attendance-but-no-growth-in-online-viewership

http://i.imgur.com/Wqpjlgz.jpg

https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/iem-world-championship-records-esports-153

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-08-20-esl-one-cologne-2014-breaks-viewer-records

http://open.dreamhack.se/news/309-25-million-viewers-watched-dreamhack-clujnapoca.html

https://www.eslgaming.com/news/record-breaking-numbers-esl-one-katowice-infographic-1060

https://www.eslgaming.com/news/esl-one-cologne-2015-worlds-biggest-and-most-watched-counter-strike-global-offensive-event-date-2256

https://bashny.net/t/en/340547

http://www.eleague.com/major/teams

http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=183&eventid=2471

Sources