With millions of passionate fans and jaw-dropping prize pools, esports has firmly established itself as a significant player in the entertainment and gambling industries. Additionally, the emergence of non gamstop betting sites has introduced a new dynamic, encouraging players to engage in esports betting. These sites make wagering on these competitive events appealing because of their massive bonuses, competitive odds, wide-coverage, live streaming, and more.

Two titans competing for the ultimate dominance in the esports realm are Valorant and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. While both are shooter games, several distinctions in their gameplay have created different fan bases, with some preferring Valorant and others opting for CS:GO. Here, we’ll explore each game and how their fan bases play a crucial role in their dominance in the industry.

Valorant X CS:GO: Understanding their Gameplay

One can’t discuss popular games in the esports industry without mentioning Valorant and Counter-Strike. While both fall under the first-person shooter genre, they offer different gameplay experiences.

Valorant

Valorant, a game from Riot Games, was released in 2020. Its gameplay revolves around two teams, each consisting of five players. The objective varies depending on the game mode, but the primary goal is to plant or defuse a bomb-like object called the "Spike." The attacking team aims to plant the Spike at designated sites, while the defending team tries to prevent or defuse it if it’s already planted.

One key aspect that sets Valorant apart from traditional FPS games is the inclusion of agents who come from various backgrounds and have different playstyles and abilities. With their abilities, players can gain an advantage in combat, gather information, create barriers, and heal teammates.

Valorant incorporates an economic system that rewards successful rounds with in-game currency, which players can use to purchase weapons, armour, and abilities at the start of each round. Everything about Valorant is based on tactical decision-making and team coordination. Players must make strategic decisions regarding when to save money, invest in equipment, and work with teammates to maximise their chances of victory.

This game's esports scene is rapidly growing with the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT), a global circuit organised by Riot Games. Teams like Sentinels and Fnatic have emerged as top contenders, showcasing their skills and strategies in regional and international events.

Counter-Strike Global Offensive

Valve and Hidden Path Entertainment developed CS:GO and released it in 2012. CS:GO follows a classic FPS format with two opposing teams, the Terrorists (T) and the Counter-Terrorists (CT). The game has nine official modes, the most common being terrorists planting bombs and CTs defusing these bombs. Custom maps are set in different locations, offering unique tactical opportunities and challenges.

Like Valorant, there’s an economic system where you earn money to buy weapons and other in-game items that can enhance your gameplay. Another popular feature of the FPS game is weapon skins, accessories that make your weapons more attractive. The cost and value of these skins vary, so you should use the best 10 tips for buying CS:GO skins to get the most out of your buck.

CS:GO boasts a thriving competitive ecosystem with prestigious tournaments like IEM, ESL Pro League, and Majors. Legendary teams like Astralis and Natus Vincere have dominated the scene, while players like s1mple and dev1ce have become iconic figures in the game.

Why Do Fanbases and Communities Define The Esports Field?

The esports industry would not be as big without fans' unwavering support. These communities contribute to the success of competitive games in various ways, which we have explained below:

Devout Following

Both games benefit from an established player base and a long-standing community that has developed over time. Having launched in 2012, CS:GO has garnered a devoted following over the years, while Valorant, launched in 2020, quickly attracted players due to its developer's reputation and the anticipation surrounding the game.

When you compare the communities of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Valorant, you'll realise that the former has a much stronger fanbase. According to ActivePlayer.io, Valorant sees over 1.5 million players, a lower value compared to CS:GO’s 1.8 million. Regardless, it’s clear that both games attract a vast audience.

Dedicated Esports Viewership and Fan Support

Both CS:GO and Valorant have high viewership. Fans tune in to watch professional matches, cheering for their favourite teams and players. The enthusiasm and support from the fanbase create an electric atmosphere during tournaments, enhancing the overall experience for players and spectators alike. This loyalty and engagement also draw in new enthusiasts, which will positively impact the success and longevity of each game.

Engagement with Streaming Platforms and Content Creation

The fanbases and communities of both games create content and actively engage on streaming platforms like Twitch. Some avid players live stream esports events, allowing fans to connect and discuss. These content and discussion forums foster a vibrant community that further fuels the growth of electronic sports.

Spectator's Experience and Broadcasting

CS:GO and Valorant developers prioritise the spectator's experience. As such, they include in-game observing tools, player perspectives, and comprehensive UI overlays that offer spectators a deeper understanding of the gameplay and strategies employed by professional players. Additionally, expert commentary by analysts adds excitement and insight to the matches, elevating the viewing experience.

What Are the Future E-Sports Considerations?

Competitive games are becoming so ingrained in the online gambling industry that some operators are exploring the potential merger of esports and online casinos. Developers might introduce new games, but with the strong following of Valorant and CS:GO, there is a high possibility that they will remain strong players in the field.

CS:GO has built a legacy over a decade old, and if the developers keep adding new elements, it will maintain its position as one of the top first-person shooter games in the esports landscape.

Valorant, with Riot Games' backing and ample resources, has the potential to challenge CS:GO's dominance in the future. Riot Games' track record in developing successful esports titles, as seen with League of Legends, suggests that Valorant will benefit from sustained investment and support.

Regardless, the future seems promising for both games and with the emergence and integration of new technologies, the gameplay will only improve. As such, they will attract even more fans with time, provided their developers can keep up with these advancements.

There has been talk for a while that story-driven games are on the out. AAA games are in decline or stagnating at least, while live games are in the ascendant. While there is truth to this concept, the picture is not quite so clear cut. What is clear is that attitudes are changing, along with the game development landscape. There is no doubt live games are booming, but does that necessarily mean single-player story-based games are dead?

Story-driven games in flux

In a nutshell, story-driven games are those where one or more players take on characters in an ongoing narrative. Not all games use or need a story to move the action, relying on the gameplay itself to keep players engaged. For some popular games boasting strong narratives, here are a few examples which are bucking the sliding figures:

• The Way
• The Uncharted Series
• Witcher 3
• Legacy of Kane: Blood Omen
• Half-Life

There are plenty of great games that have successfully blended strong storytelling without conflicting with game mechanics. However, players are getting negative waves from inside the industry. EA Games chief, Frank Gibeau had this to say – '…fire-and-forget, packaged goods only, single-player, 25-hours – and you're out. I think that model is finished.' These are devastating words for players who like to immerse themselves in new worlds, unraveling complex narrative webs.

Live games are powering along

On the flipside, live gaming is blowing up and shows no signs of slowing down. It seems gamers just can't get enough of this style. From MMORPG, shoot em ups, to live online casino gaming, the numbers are showing solid growth. As such, developers are adapting to meet the demand. The quality of live games is matched only by its depth and includes thing like:

• Call of Duty
• DOTA
• Counter Strike
• Online poker
• Roulette

Growth has been powered in this area not just by player demand. Live streaming on services like Twitch means fans can watch the best compete in real-time. This could be from home, or in massive tournaments like The International, which offers prize pools in the tens of millions.

When it comes to winning money, online casinos have been quick to spot the live gaming trend too. It is now possible to play any card and table game online, hosted by live dealers. Most rooms allow a virtually unlimited number of guests and provide all the thrills of casino gaming across any device.

An ever-evolving industry

Whether you consider story-driven games dead or simply stagnating, one thing is clear - live games are in the ascendency. Of course, the gaming industry is always changing according to advances in technology and gamer tastes, so it makes predicting the future difficult. For now though as Frank Gibeau said, online is 'where the innovation and the action is at'.

Just a while ago, Chinese tech company Huawei introduce to the world their newest smartphone - Huawei Mate 20 X. It's a premium Android phone, which features a 7.2 inches AMOLED screen, Kirin 980 chipset, 6GB RAM, and 5000mAh battery. The phone will be available starting from October 26th, with the price tag of 1,000 USD.

That's no surprise, since we are living at a time where a thousand dollar smartphone are nothing crazy anymore. So, yeah, just a expensive premium smartphone from Huawei. A good one, too.

Until the company claims that Huawei Mate 20 X is a better portable gaming device than Nintendo Switch.

Are you for real, Huawei?

According to those who attends the Mate 20 X event, the phone is a product that's aims to target the same market with Nintendo Switch. That's the portable gaming market, which Nintendo Switch are currently at the top due to the device versatility. The success of Switch comes from the ability to "switch" between a handheld device and a console in a flash. At home, you put the Switch into its dock, and it becomes a console. But you can also take it along with you to enjoy games on-the-go, too.

So, Mate 20 X is a device from Huawei with the ambition of grabbing a slice from Nintendo's biggest market at the moment. The company even compare both their device and Nintendo Switch side-by-side.

According to the Chinese mobile maker, Mate 20 X is better than Switch, thanks to its 7.2 inch 1080p OLED screen, and 5000mAh battery that'll provide about 6.7 hours play time. They even outright call Mate 20 X: "the best portable gaming machine".

But, Huawei seems to forgot one thing: In the gaming world, the higher specs device might not be the better gaming device. Because if that's true, then all consoles will lose to a gaming PC.

Of course, we can't deny that specs and battery life is important to a portable device. But not the most important thing, for sure. The device need to have a lot of great games, too. And that's the thing that make Nintendo Switch superior to all Android device at the moment.

Let's not forget the case of PSVita from the past. The problem of not enough good games makes this device became Sony's failure. That's also the reason why so many people still considered that PSP is superior than PSVita, despite the fact PSP is the older gaming device.

Android currently have so many kinds of games, but at least for now, there are not enough great games to make an Android device a winner against a portable system like Nintendo Switch. Especially when Switch now having so many great games with AAA quality.

Mate 20 X is no doubt, a great Android phone. But it might fall, because of picking the wrong opponent.