Valve has officially purchased the fan-favorite Counter-Strike map Cache from its co-creator Shawn “FMPONE” Snelling. This move follows Cache’s recent appearance in the Counter-Strike 2 Workshop and hints at its imminent inclusion in the competitive map lineup. FMPONE confirmed the acquisition, expressing gratitude to the community and the original creator, Sal Garozzo, who initially designed Cache.
The Journey Of Cache From Community Creation To Official Valve Property
Cache first emerged in 2014 and quickly became a staple in CS:GO’s competitive map pool until it was phased out in 2019, with its last major competitive appearance at IEM Katowice 2019. Despite Counter-Strike 2 launching with revamped versions of several classic maps, Cache remained under the stewardship of FMPONE, who delivered an impressive Workshop version praised for its quality and gameplay balance. Valve’s recent purchase signals their intent to integrate Cache fully into the official competitive rotation, ensuring its legacy continues.
Insights Into The Purchase And The Map’s Future
FMPONE revealed that Valve approached the team to buy Cache on the very first day of its Workshop release, describing the offer as a great honor and clarifying that there was no hesitation in accepting it. Interestingly, Valve had previously expressed interest in acquiring the map between 2013 and 2015 but allowed the creators to retain control during that period, confident in Cache’s ongoing popularity through Operations.
Valve now holds full rights not only to the map but also to certain in-game elements, such as the graffiti commemorating s1mple’s remarkable no-scope double AWP kill at ESL One Cologne 2016, which was removed from the current CS2 Workshop version.
The Significance Of Cache’s Inclusion For The Counter-Strike Community
Cache has long been cherished by players for its balanced design and competitive viability. Its official acquisition by Valve ensures that the map will remain an integral part of Counter-Strike’s evolving landscape. The move also highlights Valve’s continued commitment to embracing and preserving community-created content, enriching the game’s history and competitive scene.
Valve’s official Counter-Strike social media simply acknowledged the news with a handshake emoji, signaling a positive partnership moving forward. With Cache’s transition from a community project to an official Valve property, fans can look forward to its return in upcoming competitive play, backed by Valve’s support and polish.