The original engine known as Source is probably the most classic game engine available on the market today. With some of the most classic video games using it, particularly the Half-Life series and the insanely successful Counter Strike franchise, Source has been known and loved by players for decades now.
And although the game engine supported some of the most classic video games in history, by now it’s quite dated, and game developers would much rather turn towards more modern solutions with more support for the highest quality.
And although the original Source engine might be quite dated now, Valve has not thrown in the towel on their engine just yet. Since the company officially announced the release of Source 2 engine, both game developers and players alike are wondering, what is Source 2 and what new will it bring to Counter Strike Global Offensive? Look no further, here is everything you really need to know about Source 2.
What Is Source 2?
Source 2 is the follower of the original Source engine, released by Valve developers for public use. This means that anyone who wants to use the Source 2 engine to create their own video game can get all the engine-integrated authoring tools and all its features completely free. Valve announced that they will be only taking profit from the commercial products, that want to use Source 2 for its own gameplay.
Players first got to access Source 2 alpha version in 2014, when Dota 2 was released and players got access to all the editing tools, allowing them to create custom visual content for the game. Prior to that Valve also released the first engine tech demo, Robot Repair, followed by another one set in the Portal universe, Aperture Desk Job. Dota 2 was later released in 2015, making it officially the first game to fully utilize Source 2 for its gameplay. In 2015, Source 2 has been publicly released, officially replacing the original client of source engine for all other projects.
Any potential game developers who are interested in trying out the new Valve engine-integrated authoring tools can do so completely free. One of the most important features of Source 2 for game developers is the completely rebuilt level editor, allowing potential creators to make their own games easily, with its user-friendly enhanced GUI and more responsive input. Source 2 also features integrated asset management, as well as physically based rendering support, allowing you to easily and quickly build complex game levels, featuring Valve’s popular in-house physics engine.
In addition, Source 2 also includes support for improved audio and voice processing, meaning that game developers now have quite a powerful and comprehensive tool at their disposal. Anyone interested in game development has enjoyed any of Valve’s announcements quite a lot.
What About Counter Strike: Global Offensive?
While Source 2 has introduced quite a lot of new things for game developers, perhaps the most important question around Source 2 concerns Valve’s most popular game, Counter Strike: Global Offensive. Valve stated, that the port of CSGO to Source 2 will be called CS 2, essentially announcing that it will be a new game. Everyone’s really excited, but the question remains, what can we expect out of CS 2?
One thing that is certain is the graphic improvements, as well as improved audio. Players can expect the game models as well as maps to look better, and all of their movements will sound more realistic as well. So far it’s pretty certain that weapon skins won’t change and your entire inventory will be carried over to CS 2 in the same shape as it’s now. However, it’s not clear yet if the old skins might not look different on new gun models. Chances are in the nearest future you’ll be able to trade CSGO (CS2) skins at different prices.
With that said, skins economy shouldn’t be affected too much by these changes. You’ll still be able to buy and sell CSGO (CS2) skins like you would in the previous incarnation of the game.
While maps will receive graphical update, there is a chance that there might be some changes to classic maps to balance them and freshen up the gameplay. While we can’t be sure yet, you can expect to have to re-learn how most maps play. Valve employee Sergiy Migdalskiy has also announced, that the company will be adding new maps to the classic game.
The game will also include some changes in the physics engine, to make the game more realistic. Although there isn’t a lot of info on the specifics so far, there is a chance that it will affect the recoil of your favorite guns, or how grenades bounce in the game. You might also have to relearn these things as well.
To Sum Up
Source 2 will definitely introduce many changes to CSGO. While we don’t exactly know the scope of these changes yet, most players are getting ready for it to shake down the game community for a long time now. If you’re looking for more CS2 information, be sure to check out Skinsmonkey, where you can trade skins, get CSGO (CS2) skins for free and learn more about your favorite guns and maps!
A true gaming enthusiast, especially Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Rust. At SkinsMonkey, he is involved in creating game guides based on his own experience.
