Counter-Strike co-creator Minh "Gooseman" Le recently expressed his satisfaction with Valve's stewardship of the iconic franchise. In a retrospective interview celebrating Counter-Strike's 25th anniversary with Spillhistorie.no, Le discussed the sale of the IP to Valve and the game's successful transition to Steam.
Le lauded Valve's efforts in preserving Counter-Strike's legacy, stating that he's pleased with the outcome of the deal. He acknowledged the challenges of the transition, recalling early Steam stability issues that hampered player access. However, he highlighted the crucial role of the community in navigating these technical hurdles, providing invaluable support and creating helpful guides to smooth the transition.
The interview also touched upon Le's creative inspirations for Counter-Strike. He cited classic arcade games like Virtua Cop and Time Crisis, alongside action films from John Woo and Hollywood productions such as Heat and Ronin, as key influences during the game's development in 1998 as a Half-Life mod. Jess Cliffe joined the project in 1999, contributing to map design.
Counter-Strike's enduring popularity is undeniable, with the recent Counter-Strike 2 boasting a substantial player base of nearly 25 million monthly active users. Le's gratitude towards Valve extends beyond the preservation of his creation; he also valued the professional development opportunities gained from collaborating with top-tier game developers at Valve. He considers the experience invaluable, fostering skills he wouldn't have acquired elsewhere. The interview concludes with a clear sense of pride and contentment from Le regarding the game's lasting impact and Valve's role in its continued success.
