What’s unusual about it? CS:GO has been attracting hundreds of thousands of players every month for quite a few years now, even though the game had its release in 2012 and thus has almost a decade under its belt. That there are fluctuations in player numbers over such a long period of time is normal.

But in June 2021, there was now a 17% drop. Going by the Steam charts, CS:GO lost around 110,000 average active players this month compared to May. From 659,888 average active players, the number dropped to 549,347.

Although there was already a drop of around 9% in May, the drop is a lot higher again in June. So there may be a trend emerging. The last time there was such a high drop was in April 2018, when CS:GO lost around 18% in one month.

This is the possible reason: The exact reasons for the decline in player numbers are not clear, but observers see the cause in a change that affects the Prime status of CS:GO. Because it now costs the players something.

Players now have to pay for Ranked modes

What’s behind this? Since June 4, players must now pay 15 euros for their Prime status in CS:GO. The Prime status brings some advantages with it:

• Ranked matches
• Skill Groups
• EXP for your profile
• Prime Souvenir Items
• Weekly graffiti and weapons boxes
• Item Drops

Those who previously played CS:GO diligently were given until June 17 to upgrade their profile to Prime status. Those who did not do so by that date lost all one experience points and their skill group. However, those who had already earned their Prime status before then were able to keep it. (via support.steampowered.com)

What’s left for non-Prime players? They still have access to the content of CS:GO, just without the features mentioned above. In addition, the Unrated mode has been introduced, which makes the Competitive, Wingman and Danger Zone modes available to non-Prime players.

Accordingly, there are no ranked matches, plus no skill groups and no EXP to earn. Skill-based matchmaking is still available, though.

Prime as protection against cheaters, spammers and smurfers

What is the purpose of Prime? Since December 2018, CS:GO has been free to play for everyone. Previously, players had to pay a one-time fee. Free2Play players had access to all the game’s content from then on, but Prime players received special matchmaking and rewards.

It was also handy for confirming accounts and linking them to a phone number to filter out cheaters, spammers, and smurfer accounts. However, when CS:GO became Free2Play, Valve introduced a way to achieve Prime status by earning experience points and completing missions.

This remaining path was often seen by players as the reason why cheaters still existed in CS:GO. Accordingly, the new payment hurdle should now act as a protection against cheaters, according to Valve (counter-strike.net).

We have already reported on the reactions of these changes, with thousands this change was very well received. However, it is likely that this is also the reason for the migration of so many players.

What do you think? Have you left for similar reasons? Or do you see no particular reason in the fluctuations? Discuss with us in the comments.