Following the launch of Counter-Strike 2, a number of Windows 7 users found themselves restricted from playing. Reports from the DTF portal suggest that the bans may stem from the operating system’s age rather than any violations of game rules.
Blocked players claim they did not employ any banned utilities, cheats, or third-party software, yet their accounts were blocked for supposed violations of the game’s terms and conditions.
Some players reached out to Valve developers to seek clarification and to appeal the blocks. They also formed a dedicated Steam community to share updates and experiences related to this issue.
Steam notes that only about 1% of its user base still runs Windows 7. Beginning January 1, 2024, Steam officially discontinued official support for Windows 7 and Windows 8. This decision is expected to limit compatibility with a range of operating systems, potentially affecting the ability to run modern titles, including Counter-Strike 2.
Beyond account blocks, players have raised concerns about Counter-Strike 2’s performance. They report suboptimal optimization that remains evident even on high-end hardware, impacting frame rates and overall smoothness of gameplay.
The official release window for Counter-Strike 2 was late September 2023, marking a major step in the franchise’s evolution and continuing the series’ long history of competitive gaming.
Earlier discussions in the tech media noted leadership changes at major gaming brands, with some fans reacting negatively toward executives in prominent companies. This context underscores the dynamic relationship between game development teams and their communities during major product transitions.