In the recent months its been heavily discussed about the future and well being of the cs 1.6 future. With a struggling economy amidst a decade old game, it seems as if the ever popular game is struggling to keep its place as one of the juggernaut games played around the world. There is mixed feelings as to why cs 1.6 seems to be dwindling, possibly for its age, its graphics, its community, which is why ive decided to share a few of my thoughts upon a game that struggles.

Believe it or not, the recent shut down of LAN events such as the CPL, and ESWC are minor reasons to the lack of competitiveness in the cs 1.6 community. Yes there is money to be made at these events and these events also bring in sponsorships. But in the current economic decline you would imagine that companies would not have the loose change to sponsor gaming events. Which leaves teams with, for now, online leagues. As the economy stabilizes and re-establishes itself, so will tournaments and sponsorships. It seems that ever since the MLG days of contracts and sponsorships that no one thinks logically anymore. Yes gaming is a job for professionals, unfortunetally most of their money comes from company sponsorships. Its a difficult period that gamers are going to have to wait out.

So with major events shutting down due to money issues, we are left with online leagues. I personally dont think enough thought has gone into any league to make online gaming "competitive" any more. Lets take a look at all the leagues offered here in North America ( I may miss a few help me out if i did). You have long standing leagues such as ESEA and CEVO, as well as the newly emerging leagues of TWL and ESL. Also, XPL is making their way back to the scene. Five leagues that all have good things about them, as well as some really bad things about them. For once I would love to see two leagues combine their money, staff, partners, and sponsorships in an effort to not only save cs 1.6 online gaming, but also as a way of making the whole gaming experience better.

Online gaming is not taken seriously by some of the top organizations. Even our very own MODS family and said here on this very site about certain ESEA matches that they were not as concerned for the online league as they were for an upcoming lan event. That they wouldnt reveal strats and certain things. How can fans enjoy watching online events if the organizations playing in them are afraid to reveal strats for a POTENTIAL $10,000 dollars split many different ways. Thats where the leagues merging would help. Bringing not only a better gaming experience for all parties involved, but offering up more potential earnings for these professional organizations. Lets face it, LAN events are struggling right now, online gaming is what needs to be played right now until things get back on track. Larger potential earnings would refocused, re-energize, and hopefully re-dedicate some of these professional teams.