PvP games are extremely fun for a multitude of reasons. First, pitting players against one another really makes outwitting your opponents feel that much more satisfying. This isn't all, however, as there are also several intangible elements that make this experience great. This includes things like being able to communicate effectively and synergize as a team. This is something that PvP games not only allow but thrive on. So, without further ado, enjoy our list of the 5 Best PvP Games on PC.

5. Apex Legends

Starting off our list of the best PvP games on PC, we have Apex Legends. One of the areas in which this game excels is within its gameplay. The gameplay for Apex Legends is sleek and intuitive. This essentially means that anyone will be able to pick up and play the game without much issue. The game has a varied roster of characters that make it so here is someone on the game's roster for everyone. Each of these characters also ranges in their utility and effectiveness in the massive Battle Royale title.

Additionally, the game being free-to-play eliminates any barrier to entry, which is great. The characters in the game are also built in such a way that they can synergize with one another, leading to some fantastic team play moments. This makes Apex Legends one of the premier PvP experiences available on PC. Also, the game has many different modes for players who wish to have more variety within the flavors of gameplay they consume. So, to close, Apex Legends is a fantastic choice for players to pick up, especially within the PC PvP scene.

4. League of Legends

Next up on our list of the best PvP games available on PC, we have League of Legends. League of Legends is a MOBA game in which players are pitted against one another in teams of five. Within these teams of five are five characters that can fit a number of roles. This goes a long way in adding variety to the game, as there is always something new to master. Additionally, the champion roster for the game is also immense, meaning there is always something new to learn.

It is partially due to this aspect of the game that it has become so popular. Having the player's skill being something that they seek out themselves speaks volumes about the depth of the game. There are tons of items and abilities for players to learn, as well as strategies. The teamplay mechanics in the game are also very important, which can lead to some unforgettable moments. So, in conclusion, if you are someone who is in the market for fantastic PvP games on PC, make sure you check out League of Legends.

3. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Our next entry is one that has taken the globe by storm since its inception. Counter-Strike as a franchise, has been one of the forerunners of the competitive FPS genre. This can be seen not only in the massively popular PvP battles but also within the time players put in to improve at the game. This is a statistic that certainly speaks for itself, as players put in astronomical hours in order to improve. This is partially due to how well-polished and fun the gameplay is, however.

Players are pitted against one another on typically smaller, more intense maps. This gives the game a feeling that makes it easy for the player to play round after round seeking to improve. This is wonderful, the weapons in the game all feel snappy and responsive, and learning weapon recoil is a process all its own. Dedicating one's time to this really allows players to appreciate the subtleties in the gameplay of the game. Simply put, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is one of the most popular, and best PC PvP games today.

2. Squad

Switching things up considerably in terms of pace, we have Squad. Squad is a tactical shooter that takes place on massive 50v50 battlegrounds. Players are broken down into squads of nine, each with a Squad Leader to organize the team, and they will have to use strategy in order to succeed. This is a game that greatly benefits from players' communication, which makes it rather rare in the current gaming space. With the popularity of outside voice channels, Squad is a game that truly rewards communicating and learning to communicate with others.

There are a number of factions to play within the game. These factions include such staples as the U.S. Army and Marines, as well as lesser-known fighting forces. Each of these factions is balanced isometrically, making learning how to best utilize each one well worth it. This also gives quite the learning curve to the game, however, it is immensely satisfying to learn. The gameplay loop of Squad is polished enough to bring players back again and again. In short, Squad is one of the best PvP experiences that players can have on PC, especially if they love teamwork and communication.

1. BattleBit Remastered

Now, for our final entry, we have a game that is rather new to the PC PvP scene. BattleBit: Remastered is the highly-popular indie title that has taken over Steam. The game as a project completed by just three developers, now has more concurrent players than most AAA shooters. This is a testament to how much content the game has, but also how well-polished it is. Pulling heavily from Battlefield inspirations, this game has completely destructible environments within a low-poly art style.

However, there is much more to this game than that. The game is exceedingly feature-complete, with things such as local VOIP, as well as body dragging. The features present in the game, along with its seventeen launch maps, make it above and beyond what has been offered up by the AAA space. The gameplay for the game is also really solid, and the progression system of the game is simply stellar. So if you are someone who is interested in PvP games on PC that are complete, come at a low cost of just fifteen USD, and have a well-laid-out roadmap for the future, definitely check out BattleBit: Remastered.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best PvP Games on PC? What are some of your favorites? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

The post 5 Best PvP Games on PC appeared first on Gaming.net.

Despite the fact that the premise of FPS games is relatively simple: they must be in a first-person perspective and include fire-power weapons of some variety, the tried and true genre continues to surprise us with new and exciting titles. At the same time, new titles can be challenging to come by when the best FPS games tend to remain at the top of the latter. However, in May 2023, the ranking of the best FPS games on PC was shaken. New titles are now making their mark on the scene alongside long-standing classics. So, read on to find out what games are making their way up the FPS ranks on PC this May.

5. Escape From Tarkov

If you like the joy of non-stop gunfights and respawning right into the action in FPS games, then Escape From Tarkov may not be for you. Escape From Tarkov is a survival, raid-based, military simulator that's widely regarded as one of the most difficult FPS games of all time. That's mainly owing to the fact that your progress is directly determined by your success on the battlefield.

To break things down for you, Tarkov works in Raids, which consists of 6-14 players loading into a map (depending on map size). Then, each player is free to run around looking for PvP, or they can focus on a list of tasks and objectives that serve as the game's storyline. The kicker is that if you die, you lose all the loot on you and that means everything. That's right, your hours of hardwork can be lost in a fraction of a second with one nicely placed headshot.

The reason this is so dire is that you create your player for each raid through the loot you've obtained from successful raids and the money you gain from selling that loot. So, not only is dying disappointing, but it's a direct hit to your progress. Nonetheless, gamers have fallen in love with Tarkov's hardcore take on FPS compared to others in their class. As a result, it's quickly climbed the ranks as one of the best FPS games on PC, and it's only in Beta.

4. Overwatch 2

When Blizzard announced that they would be releasing a sequel to their critically acclaimed hero-shooter Overwatch, few of us were thrilled. We were already content with what we had. Furthermore, the big rumor was that the new Overwatch 2 would change the game's team-based gameplay from 6v6 to 5v5. That may not seem like much, but in a competitive FPS hero-shooter like this, it can completely change how the game is played. As a result, gamers were wary of Overwatch 2.

Despite the skeptisim, Overwatch 2 has been out for a little over six months and has proven to be a worthy successor to its predecessor. The switch to 5v5 meant more strategic gameplay and a greater emphasis on hero abilities to turn the tide of battle. So we'll tip our hats to Blizzard, who has outdone themselves yet again. Overwatch 2 has brought the hero-shooter back into the spotlight as one of the best FPS games on PC. However, it is still competing with one other title in its niche, Apex Legends.

3. Hell Let Loose

Being one of the biggest facets of Western history, a lot of games have developed an FPS title based on WWII. However, none of them truly conveyed the hellish nature of what occurred. That was until we saw the likes of Hell Let Loose. You'll be shaking in your boots as you fight in the most iconic battles on the western front, storming trenches, clearing buildings, dodging artillery, or participating in tank and ariel warfare.

Huge scale maps mean matches consist of 50v50 players. They also consist of vehicles, tanks, planes, and artillery that are unleashing a non-stop bombardment on the battlefield. As a foot soldier, you can assume the role of Officer, Scout, Machine Gunner, Medic, or Engineer, and lead the charge through the front lines. All in all, Hell Let Loose is a non-stop adrenaline rush, and it's one of the best FPS games on PC when it comes to authentic WWII action.

2. Apex Legends

Month after month, Apex Legends remains one of the best FPS games on PC. The hero-based battle royale provides a constantly changing battlefield. Where team chemistry and ability composition are critical to wiping other squads. Apex Legends includes over 24 “Legends” derived from Assault, Tank, and Healer classes. Each of them has a passive, tactical, and ultimate ability to give your team an advantage in firefights.

As a result, there are many different playstyles to dive into. Furthermore, replayability means no fight ever feels the same. Each squad you encounter will be made up of a new trio of the Legends. Furthermore, the fight will take place on a new playing field where you'll have to strategize and utilize your abilities. You can just take our word that it's the most dynamic and fast-paced FPS game on the market right now. Evidently, why it's one of the only battle royale games that continues to grow well past the BR concepts glory phase.

1. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Who else but Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) takes the top spot in our list of the best FPS games for PC? The tactical 5v5 competitive shooter has reigned its supremacy in the genre for well over a decade. And, with the announcement of Counter-Strike 2, it appears the king will be cemented in its seat for a long time to come. New graphical updates, including map, utility, and weapon skin changes, will bring Counter-Strike to its most refined state yet. And we aren't far from experiencing it in the summer of 2023. So, read here to learn everything there is to know about CS2.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other FPS games on PC that you think are best? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post 5 Best FPS Games on PC (May 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

During the CS:GO ESL Pro League Season 17 playoff action, Valve dropped the curtain on their most anticipated successor yet, Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). That's right, the polished-up sequel to the biggest Esports FPS game to date is really happening. To no surprise, fans went crazy wanting to know everything they could about CS2, especially what changes are being implemented in terms of gameplay. Because all of this will ultimately determine whether Counter-Strike 2 is better than CS:GO.

That question is currently being answered by the community through the Counter-Strike 2 playtest. Which is slowly letting more and more players in until the title finally drops in the summer of 2023. The verdict from the player base so far is that yes, Counter-Strike 2 is a better, more refined game than CS:GO. But, why is that? Well, we break down the reasoning right here by comparing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Vs Counter-Strike 2.

What is Counter-Strike: Global Offensive?

Back in 2000, Valve released the first game in their then-new tactical FPS series, Counter-Strike. At the time, it set a new benchmark for FPS games on PC and progressed to become one of the most popular FPS titles on the platform. After 12 years, they produced a revised version based on their new Source engine, which we now know today as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive or CS:GO for short.

The Concept of the tactical FPS has always remained the same. Teams of 5v5 players compete in 15 or 30-round contests, taking turns preventing or attempting to plant a bomb on a “bomb site” to secure a round. Although that may seem like a relatively simple concept, it's resulted in the most strategic and popular Esports FPS game for over the last decade.

What is Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2 will take over CS:GO in the same way that it did with its predecessor, Counter-Strike, over a decade ago. CS2 is being built on Valve's new and improved, Source 2 engine. The rules of the game have not changed one bit. However, the same cannot be said for the gameplay, as a lot is changing the FPS's meta.

Gameplay

There are two key changes to gameplay that are playing a role in the argument of whether Counter-Strike 2 is better than CS:GO. One is an obvious improvement, the other is up for debate.

Obvious:

The obvious argument is that Counter-Strike 2 is implementing 128-tick servers. CS:GO, on the other hand, ran on 64 tick servers. In essence, Tick Rate provides the in-game response when you command an action, such as shooting or jumping, to your player actually performing that action on-screen. For the most part, the 64 tick rate produced a nearly seamless response from command to on-screen action in CS:GO. However, there were times when the 64 tick rate had milliseconds of latency, which didn't adequately reflect your response. Sometimes resulting in you missing a shot, or dying.

As the developers put it, “the server will know the exact moment you fired your shot, jumped your jump, or peaked your peak” with 128 tick rate and sub-tick updates in Counter-Strike 2. As a result, your actions and the exact moment when you perform them are more precisely depicted. Obviously, this is an improvement, and one reason why Counter-Strike 2 is better than CS:GO.

Up For Debate:

The new responsive smoke grenades, on the other hand, have some gamers on the fence. In CS:GO, smoke grenades are a key piece of utility used to block off lines of sight, gain map control, and make a push on a bomb site. However, they will no longer function the same in Counter-Strike 2. That's because the new “responsive smokes” will now dissipate if you throw a HE grenade in the middle, then shortly re-form after. Bullets will also create small windows of vision in them.

To some extent, this is completely altering how smoke grenades are used in terms of strategic gameplay. Although many players were skeptical about this change at first, time in the playtests has shown it's not as drastic of a change for gameplay as players thought. Nonetheless, it will change the meta of how smoke grenades are used in CS2. As a result, it's still up for debate whether or not this feature is making Counter-Strike 2 better than CSGO.

Graphics

Counter-Strike 2 is being built on Valves' new Source 2 engine. And there really is no debate; Counter-Strike 2 is without a doubt graphically better than CS:GO. You can see everything for yourself in the “Leveling Up The World” video posted by Valve. The lighting is improved, the colors are more vibrant, and the maps are more detailed than ever before.

What's more, utility such as HE grenades and Molotovs have been reworked to now look more realistic than ever. And, perhaps most importantly, skins look 10x more vibrant. As a result, the prices of numerous skins, and the cases you get them from, have skyrocketed.

Is Counter-Strike 2 Better Than CS:GO?

Change isn't always welcomed. Especially with something we've known and grown so accustomed to over the last decade. However, we feel the changes in Counter-Strike 2 are resulting in a better product than CS:GO. This mainly falls on the shoulders of the 128-tick servers, and the new Source 2 engine, which are pushing performance and graphics to new heights.

It's hard to exactly say if Counter-Strike 2 is better than CS:GO in terms of gameplay. As that is ultimately determined by you, the player. So far, the response from the community seems to be yes. And we side with that verdict. We feel the community may neglect the gameplay changes in Counter-Strike 2 at first. However, as with anything, once you get use to it, it won't be as big of a deal. In fact, you may even come to like it. As a result, it's only a matter of timebefore everyone is eventually saying “Counter-Strike 2 is better than CS:GO”.

So, what's your take? Do you think Counter-Strike 2 is better than CS:GO? What do you think of the new responsive smoke grenades? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Vs Counter-Strike 2 appeared first on Gaming.net.

Steam has long been the preferred gaming store for PC gamers since its inception. A big reason for this is due to its extensive game catalog, which contains every type of game imaginable. In fact, it was reported in 2022 that Steam bolstered a roster of over 10,000 games. An overwhelming amount to say the least. But, despite the abundance of competition, a handful of titles still manage to rise to the top of the popularity ladder. And these are the most popular games on Steam that have separated themselves from the crowd in March 2023.

5. Stellaris

Stellaris is a grand strategy game in which you govern a futuristic civilization with the goal of establishing a galactic empire. Beginning as a small colony with the potential to only exist on a few planets, you must compete with other civilizations to colonize additional worlds for vital resources through bureaucracy, cultural influence, and military might. Each empire, like Sid Meiers' Civilization, has distinct attributes and characteristics ranging from ideology to government type and specie traits. Each of these categories will affect your strategy for winning. 

A standard-sized game contains 24 randomly generated civilizations that you explore and interact with. Some of which you'll make friends with, and others, enemies. Nonetheless, Stellaris is one of the most popular games on Steam right now due to its unique take on the genre. The game thrives on the fast-paced robustness of the early game and the race to get your feet on the ground and surpass other colonies.

4. Anno 1800

Anno 1800 returns to its roots, rewinding the clock to early history after the previous two installments were set far in the future. As a European settler in the new world, you must acquire resources and develop infrastructure for inhabitants to thrive in this real-time city-building strategy game. With that said, Anno 1800 is not an easy game to play. Its layout is not the friendliest to learn which can make it a bit of a slow burn for newcomers. However, there are numerous tutorials that will show you the ropes. 

What's more intriguing though, is that Anno 1800 has a story mode included within its strategy. Essentially, the plot has you returning to the old land to help your ailing father, however, you encounter numerous barriers preventing you from leaving. As the story progresses, you will see every aspect of the game, including city construction, combat, trade, and long sailing expeditions. These features tied into the story are what get gamers hooked on Anno 1800's gameplay, and evidently why it's making a name as one of the most popular games on Steam right now.

3. Sons of the Forest

Sons of the Forest is the sequel to the original The Forest and one of the most anticipated releases of 2023 so far. In this survival horror game, your search and rescue team crashes on a remote island, leaving you and one other survivor, known as Kelvin, as the only survivors. Together, you must scavenge, hunt, and find shelter. However, these aren't your biggest worries in your fight for survival. The area where you've found yourself stranded is inhabited by cannibals and other horrific monsters. And you're presence has caused quite a disturbance.

As a result, Sons of the Forest will have your fight-or-flight response working overtime. Fortunately, not all the weight falls on your shoulders as you can play with up to 8 friends; don't forget about Kelvin! Nonetheless, Sons of the Forest was a significant improvement in terms of gameplay, mechanics, and overall adventure. As a result, it has deservedly become one of the most popular games on Steam in March 2023.

2. Apex Legends

Apex Legends is one of the most popular FPS games on Steam and in the battle-royale scene. This is undoubtedly due to the game's unique take on the genre, which is a hero-shooter BR with fluid and fast-paced movement being its bread and butter. You can choose between one of the 23 legends in your three-man squad. Each legend has three abilities: tactical, passive, and ultimate. This defines each legend's playstyle, with some being more tank, healer, or damage focused. As a result, Legend composition, ability chemistry, and communication are all vital components in winning a match.

As a result, there's often a lot going on at all times in Apex Legends, so don't expect to be bush camping to the final circle. It rewards players who take the fight to other teams, rather than squads that are passive. Nonetheless, its chaotic engagements, liquid movement, and addicting gameplay are why it's remained one of the most popular games on Steam for not months, but years on end.

1. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)

CS:GO is one of the most well-known and popular FPS and Steam games of all time. Teams of 5v5 players must compete in best of 30 or 15 round matches where both teams take turns playing as the Terrorist group, whose goal is to plant a bomb on a site, and the Counter Terrorist group who must stop them. The concept allows for constant high stakes and nail-biting rounds, which is why the game has grown to become one of the most popular Esports games of all time.

While CS:GO has been the most popular game on Steam for nearly a decade, its popularity will only grow. And it's all thanks to Valve's recent announcement of Counter-Strike 2. Abbreviated as CS2 for short, this is the new and improved sequel that was rumored for years. However, Valve has just made the unveiling, which has caused quite a stir in the community. You can read all the details about CS2 here. But, you can bet your bottom dollar that when it releases, it will be one of the most popular games on Steam for years to come.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other popular games on Steam that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post 5 Most Popular Games on Steam Right Now (March 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Valve has officially announced Counter-Strike 2, and even provided a release window for the Summer of 2023

This was certainly a pleasant surprise. But, in the midst of all the CS:GO ESL Pro League Season 17 playoff action, Valve made a surprise reveal announcing Counter-Strike 2, dubbed CS2, which is set to release in the summer of 2023. This is definitely sooner than anyone expected and feels like barely enough time for the community to digest this massive unveiling.

Though no specific release date has been set, we do know that the game will run on Source Engine 2. And don't worry, the sequel will be a free upgrade to CS:GO, with all players' CS:GO items, such as skins, transferring over to Counter-Strike 2; much in the way Blizzard handled Overwatch 2. What's more exciting, is that players are able to get their hands on a playtest, starting today (details below).

Today we're excited to announce Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is an overhaul to every system, every piece of content, and every part of the C-S experience. First, let's talk about smoke grenades: pic.twitter.com/iTtguRHJ0S

— CS:GO (@CounterStrike) March 22, 2023

Counter-Strike 2 Playtest and Game Details

All the Playtest details for Counter-Strike 2 can be found here. But, from what we can gather, is that the players chosen for the CS2 playtest depend on “(but not limited to) recent playtime on Valve official servers, trust factor, and Steam account standing.” per the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test F.A.Q page. Nonetheless, if you are chosen, you will receive a notification on the main menu of CS:GO.

Aside from that, Valve released three videos to highlight some of the changes we can expect to see in CS2. The most intriguing is Leveling Up The World, which shows off the map changes and graphic overhauls. The other two cover the changes to Tick Rate and Smoke Grenades. However, more details will be released in the coming months and can be found on the new and official Counter-Strike 2 game page.

So, what's your take? Are you excited about CS2? What changes are you hoping to see implemented? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post Counter-Strike 2 Officially Announced appeared first on Gaming.net.

Each and every year, the competitive gaming scene of Esports evolves its level of competition to new unforeseen heights. The gameplay get's faster, reactions are quicker, and each game evolves and pushes the boundaries of what's possible at gaming's highest professional level. 2023 will be no different. There will be many memorable, game-changing moments, and of course a handful of cringe-worthy ones. Nonetheless, you don't want to miss out on any of the action and laughter. That's why we've compiled all the major Esports events taking place in 2023 across the top ten competitive games, so you know where to watch them and what's at stake.

10. Rocket League

If you've ever played Rocket League, you understand the amount of precision and skill that goes into the game. That's why watching pro players in the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) Esports, doing ariel passes and goals, never gets old. And when stakes are at their highest during the RLCS Majors and Championship series, amazing plays and great gaming moments are inevitably made. That's why you don't want to miss out on this year's action, because “This is Rocket League!”

You can catch all the 2023 major RLCS Esports events on the RLCS Twitch Channel.

• RLCS Winter Major – April 6-9
• RLCS Spring Major – July 6-9
• RLCS World Championship – Aug. 4-13

9. Street Fighter V

Street Fighter 6 is due to come to our screens on June 2, 2023. This will mark another exciting Street Fighter title that will surely switch up the intricacies in the meta yet again. However, this year's events most likely won't feature the new title at the competitive level till next year. That means this will be the last year to watch the best Street Fighter 5 gameplay there is to date. And it will all be happening at the two major Esports events in 2023, taking place below.

You can watch the Capcom Cup on their Twitch Channel here and on the EVO Japan 2023 Twitch channel.

• Capcom Cup IX – Feb. 14-19
• EVO Japan 2023 – March 31 – April 2

8. Call of Duty League

Call of Duty has been one of the most renowned FPS franchises of the last two decades. While competitive play still took place, there was a long wait before they finally established the official Esports league, Call of Duty World League. The year 2023 is their fourth official year, and while the first Major has already concluded, with the NY Sublimers taking the title, there are still four more to go, and here's where you can catch them.

You can catch all the Call of Duty League (CDL) Esports major events on their Twitch channel here.

• CDL Major 2 – Feb. 2-5
• CDL Major 3 – March 9-12
• CDL Major 4 – April 13-16
• CDL Major 5 – May 25-28

7. Rainbow Six Siege

Speaking of renowned FPS games, we have Rainbow Six Siege. This tactical 5v5 breach and clear has gained popularity at the pro level due to its insanely critical gameplay. In the pro scene, players will literally peak angles at ridiculously fast speeds, or be holding a bombsite from a bullet-sized hole in the wall. The map knowledge and teamplay it takes to win games are utterly impressive and why it's worthwhile to watch the major Rainbow Six Siege Invitational Esports event in 2023 below:

You can watch the Six Invitational on their R6EsportsNA Twitch Channel here.

• Six Invitational – Feb. 7-19

6. Apex Legends

It's no secret battle royales have been on the rise over the years. One game that rode its wave of popularity is Apex Legends. Notably, it was the first battle royale to introduce a hero-shooter style into the genre by giving players a roster of different Legends, each with their own ability to change the flow of typical gunfight gameplay. The games are relatively new to the Esports scene, originally arriving in 2020, but its major events are surely on the come up and you don't want to miss the action arriving in 2023.

You can watch all the 2023 Apex Legends Global Series major Esports events on their Twitch channel here.

• ALGS Split 1 Playoffs – Feb. 2-5
• ALGS Split 2 Playoffs – June 8-11
• ALGS Championship – Summer 2023

5. Valorant

Valorant's another hero-shooter title, though being the first one to introduce the style to 5v5 tactical shooter style games. It's already amassed a huge fan base for the game's competitive scene and evidently why you don't want to miss its major Esports events coming up in 2023.

You can watch all the 2023 Valorant major Esports events on their Twitch channel here.

• Valorant LOCK/IN – Feb. 14 – March 4
• Valorant Masters 2023 – June TBD

4. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO)

If you've been watching Esports for some time, or been gaming in general, CSGO needs no introduction. It is by far one of the biggest FPS games worldwide. Every year its Esports scene sees hundreds of thousands of fans catch its majors on Twitch and pack thousands of people into stadiums for live competitions. And, 2023 is gearing up for another year of exciting tournaments, full of insane clutches and flicks. Here are all the notable ones you'll want to catch:

You can watch all the 2023 CSGO major Esports events on ESL CSGO's Twitch channel here.

• IEM Katowice – Jan. 31 – Feb. 12
• Blast.tv Paris Major – May 8-21
• IEM Dallas – May 29 – June 4
• IEM Cologne – July 25 – Aug. 6

3. League of Legends

League of Legends is one of, if not, the biggest MOBA in the world. The argument would be with DOTA 2, which may not have many players (due to it being an immensely harder MOBA) but still, it holds a higher prize pool for its championship. Nonetheless, League of Legends players are on a level of their own when it comes to individual and team play. It's why it's the one Esports game whose championship continues to break viewership records year after year. So, if you want to add to the view count, here are the majors you'll want to catch in 2023.

You can watch all the 2023 League of Legends Esports major events on the Riot Games Twitch channel here.

• Mid-Season Invitational – May 2-21
• World Championship – October-November TBD

2. Super Smash Bros. Melee and Ultimate

When it comes to platform fighters, Super Smash Bros. holds the almighty throne for the best game in the genre. There are two different Esports styles of the game, Melee, and Ultimate, with the former being the harder style to play. Regardless of which one you're into, the competition level is fierce with players having to make split-second decisions. There's one big tournament for Super Smash Bros. Melee this year, and here are the details for it.

VGBootcamp hosts most of the major Super Smash Bros. tournaments on their Twitch channel here, or you can catch them on Beyond The Summits Twitch Channel.

• Genesis 9 Jan. 20-22
• Smash Ultimate Summit 6 – March – TBD
• Collision 2023 – March 10-12
• Low Tide City 2023 – May 13-14
• Smash Summit 15 – June – TBD
• Get On My Level 2023 – July 21-23
• Riptide 2023 – Sept. 8-10

1. Dota 2

DOTA 2, the biggest MOBA of all time also holds the biggest Esports major every year, known as the Invitational. Its prize pull this year is over a swift $20 million, marking 2023 to be another great year for the event.

You can catch The Invitational on the dota2ti Twitch Channel here.

• The Invitational 2023 – October TBD

So, what's your take? Are there other majors we missed that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post Esports 2023: All Major Events & Where to Watch Them appeared first on Gaming.net.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (simply known as CS:GO) has kept a firm hold of its place as the number one best-selling game of 2022.

With a mouth-watering 542 consecutive weeks at the top of the Steam charts, CS:GO once again takes home the crown for having the best-selling PC game. Are we at all surprised by this? Not even in the slightest, as it's basically been the same story ever since the game was first conceived back in 2012. And while there have been plenty of up-and-coming indies dip in and out of the spotlight since then, Valve's online multiplayer phenomenon has, to put it lightly, pretty much butchered any hopes of anything that isn't CS:GO from claiming the throne.

“In 1999 Counter-Strike was released as a mod for Half-Life,” the official site reads. “As the game progressed from a beta to a full release, it refined the classic gameplay that has come to define competitive shooters and produced a dedicated community that has followed the game since its first release.”

“Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) expands upon the team-based first person shooter gameplay the original Counter-Strike pioneered when it launched in 1999. Two teams compete in multiple rounds of objective-based game modes with the goal of winning enough rounds to win the match.”

Ready to Join?

Interested in playing Valve's globally recognized multiplayer game for yourself? You can play it right now for free over on Steam. Alternatively, you can pick up an older copy for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 at any major retail outlet. For more updates on the long-standing game, be sure to check in with its official social feed here.

So, what's your take? Are you at all surprised to see CS:GO take the top spot on the Steam charts? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

The post CS:GO Crowned Steam’s Best Game…Again appeared first on Gaming.net.

If you're a fan of Riot's team-based hero shooter Valorant, you may also be a fan of games that follow a similar suit. In fact, there are a lot of games that combine weapons with characters who pose special abilities. It adds a new aspect to a game's gun gameplay that makes the experience unique from that of other notable first-person shooters. That's why if you enjoy the likes of that in Valorant, you might also enjoy the best games like Valorant which also feature the same concept.

Many of the games on this list, actually came before Valorant. So, although their action gameplay draws many similarities, it's based around an entirely unique concept to that of Valorants. That means there are tons of new experiences to be had, and it may even end up with you landing your next favorite hero shooter to grind. That's why it's worth checking out our picks for the five best games like Valorant, because it's full of the best hero shooters to ever come, aside from Valorant, obviously.

5. Team Fortress 2

Team Fortress 2 was originally released back in 2007, and yet in 2022, it still has a huge surge of players stepping into the game every day. That makes it one of the oldest team-based shooters known in gaming and also a timeless classic. In the game, you face off in a 6v6 match across a variety of game modes such as Capture the Flag, Control Point, Arena, King of the Hill, and more. Then you pick a class and step into the action.

There are nine distinct classes to choose from, all with their own specific roles and abilities for how they play. For example, the Soldier can use his rocket to do a literal rocket jump without taking damage. The Scout is super fast and can bunny hop and even strafe on walls. Or go the sneaky route as the Spy and disguise yourself as enemy players to backstab them for an easy kill. Team Fortress 2 is as simplistic as team-based hero shooters get, but the game is perfectly balanced, and a ton of fun. After all, there's a reason it's been kicking around for so long, which also may have to do with the fact that it's free-to-play.

4. Paladins

Speaking of free-to-play hero shooters, another one that's worth checking out is Paladins. This team-based hero shooter immerses you in the realm of champions, with 5v5 gameplay split between Siege, a payload-based game mode, Onlsought, an objective-based game mode, and traditional team deathmatch. What distinguishes Paladins' gameplay from its competitors is that you can not only wield guns and use magic as a champion of the realm, but you can also completely alter your primary abilities to define your playstyle.

Paladins use a deck-building system to define your champion's gameplay. This gives you tons of cards to customize your champion into a variety of playstyles. You can have a super fast champion running around with hire-powered assault rifles, become an aerial sniper with flight abilities, or an explosive expert raining carnage, all as the same champion. Then you can combine these with the magic-based abilities of each of the champions in the game. Which makes for a new gameplay experience in every game.

3. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Valorant is a hero shooter, which means it has characters with unique skills to enhance the gameplay. The premise of its team-based shooter is to either defend or take control of a site by planting or defusing the bomb. It's largely the same model as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO), with the exception of the hero shooter part. CS:GO is a tactical team-based shooter, which means there are no special abilities and only pure gunplay.

You would think this makes for a simplistic game, but when it comes down to it, CS:GO is very complex. Tactical equipment such as flashbangs and smoke grenades must be utilized if you want to take over a site. Much like you would in Valorant with character abilities to wall off angles. Overall, players tend to compare CS:GO to Valorant because the premise of the game is effectively the same, with different gameplay components.

2. Apex Legends

Apex Legends is what you would get if you turned Valorant into a battle royale. Which is the easiest and most simple way to put it. In Apex Legends you go into a battle royale with roughly 60 players, comprised of 20 teams of three. Each team is made up of three legends with a total of 21 legends to choose from. Each legend features a unique passive, tactical and ultimate ability that can be used to change the momentum of the fight.

For example, Bloodhound has a tactical ability that scans the proximity around him, revealing enemies for a short time. Gibraltar is a tank legend and can deploy a huge shield for extra cover as his tactical ability. These are just a couple of examples, but each legend has its own unique list of abilities that define their gameplay. That means every team you fight will pose a different threat with the combination of legends and abilities at their disposal. This makes for constantly dynamic combat gameplay with many variables changing up the battlefield.

1. Overwatch

Our number one pick for the best games like Valorant is Overwatch. And you only have until October 4, 2022, to play the original game before Overwatch 2 replaces it. That's why it's best you get the most out of the original experience you can. Because there are some big changes being made for the game's next installment. Nonetheless, the gameplay at its core is still the same.

Players fight on a variety of maps that feature different game modes, like securing a site or pushing a payload. Each team has six players (Overwatch 2 is changing this to 5v5) who must choose a hero from the four main classes of Offense, Defense, Support, and Tank. Within each of those classes, each Hero is fully unique, with abilities and ultimates to use in addition to their basic attacks. This makes team composition in Overwatch highly important. But being one of the best team-based hero shooters of all time, it's without a doubt one of the best games like Valorant.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other best games like Valorant that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post 5 Best Games Like Valorant appeared first on Gaming.net.

Twitch is the most popular platform for watching games and, unsurprisingly, the platform of choice for streamers. From pro-gamers to casual gamers, Twitch is a safe haven for anyone who enjoys video games. And, because there is so much variety, new games are constantly making their way into the top five most viewed for each month. Well, ironically, the top five most popular games on Twitch don't feature much variety, instead, they consist of a lot of competitive titles, we know all too well.

That's why it's not a big surprise that these competitive games are Twitch's most popular as of July 2022, since they consistently attract a large audience. However, there are most likely some solid reasons, such as a tournament or event that took place which caused these games to gain more popularity than usual. That's why we're going to find out exactly why these five games have secured their spot as the top five most popular games on Twitch.

5. Apex Legends

Coming in as the fifth most popular game on Twitch in the month of July is Apex Legends. Being one of the most popular battle royales that constantly see a high viewership, we're actually surprised that the game didn't poll higher for this month. Nonetheless, it made the top five, most notably because there's big news for the new Season 14: Hunted, which is set to premiere on August 9th. With it, everyone's ranks will be soft reset, which means it's back to grind time.

However, this time period, roughly a month to two weeks before the reset, is also a high time to grind, as players make a last-ditch effort to improve their rank. This is also a time when the dust has settled and the respective ranks feature equal competition, resulting in some of the game's best gameplay. As a result, there are usually many sponsored streams, streamer tournaments, and competitive tournaments for the season's best players. Apex Legends evidently grossed a whopping 14.8 million hours watched in July 2022, and with a few days left, those numbers are still rising.

4. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

One of the longest-standing competitive FPS games to date, CS:GO, made its way into the fourth spot for the most popular Twitch games in July with good reasoning. There were a handful of tournaments that took place, but the most notable of all is the iconic Intel Extreme Masters (IEM). It's the most notable because the competition typically features a million-dollar prize pool and the world's best CS:GO teams. This was exactly the case for IEM XVII Cologne, which took place from July 5th to July 17th, 2022.

So, with every CS:GO fan marking the event on their calendars, it was shaping up to be a big event that would undoubtedly attract a large number of Twitch viewers. And with 16 of CS:GO's best teams battling in the group stage, with only four cracking the playoffs, there was a lot of riveting CS:GO action to watch. It all came down to a premiere showdown between Natus Vincere (NA' VI) and Faze Clan, which saw Faze Clan clinching the series final in an exciting fifth game. Overall, the popular event resulted in CS:GO ranking fourth on Twitch in July, with 19.7 million hours watched and counting.

3. Grand Theft Auto V

GTA V is the only non-competitive game ranking on our list for the most popular Twitch games of July 2022. Even nine years after the game's release, we're still pleased to see how popular it remains, but its viewership in July was undoubtedly influenced by one popular annual event. That being the Independence Day event, which celebrates July 4th, along with the rest of the states, however in GTA V Online.

With the event comes a limited time for players to capture Independence Day themed items for their vehicles, weapons, and wardrobes. During the time of this event, which this year took place between June 30 and July 6th, 2022, the streets of Los Santos are a little crazier than usual. With many players and streamers alike hopping online to join in on the Independence Day fun. In total, GTA V received 23.6 million hours of viewing time in July, with the event accounting for a sizable portion of that.

2. Valorant

Valorant is the biggest title competing in the same genre of FPS as CS:GO, but it hasn't quite surpassed CS:GO's overall popularity just yet. However, being the second most popular game on Twitch is a good indication that it is gaining traction over it's competition. Much like how CS:GO had a big event in July, so did Valorant with Masters: Copenhagen. Being one of the biggest stops on the Valorant Champions Tour 2022, it surely helped the game gain notoriety on Twitch in July 2022.

The Masters: Copenhagen took place from July 10th to the 24th, and featured a barrage of talent across the 12 qualifying teams. The final came down to a showdown between Paper Rex and FunPlus Phoenix, which saw over 200,000 viewers on Twitch and a sold-out stadium. Valorant's Masters: Copenhagen reached a peak of over 700,000 viewers across all streams, including Twitch, YouTube, and others. And a total of 24.3 million hours watched in the month of July, narrowly beating out GTA V.

1. League of Legends

Time and time again League of Legends (LoL) persists as one of Twitch's most popular titles. Ranking among the top three most popular games on Twitch, month after month. This is especially true during the summer, when there are numerous LoL pro tournaments, many of which take place in July. With that, many of them are still ongoing, so as expected, July is a busy and popular month for the game. That's why it's no surprise it's the most popular game on Twitch.

All of these tournaments, including those taking place in August, are vital ones before the biggest LoL event of the year, the World Championship 2022, which takes place in September. That's why the game racked up more than 25 million hours of viewing in July, with the figure expected to rise even further. So don't be surprised if LoL is one of Twitch's most popular games in August and September, as big tournaments are fueling the game for an exciting stretch of competition.

So, what's your take? Are you surprised these were the most popular games on Twitch in July 2022? What other games do you think will make August's most popular games on Twitch? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post 5 Most Popular Games on Twitch (July 2022) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Over the last few years, esports have expanded and become a global phenomenon. Today, it's a multi-million dollar industry and players from all over the world participate in the competitive gaming scene. Each year, millions of players try to break into the esports scene.

Making it big in esports is not a piece of cake. It needs years and years of practice and dedication (very much like sports). However, your efforts also depend on what type of game you want to play. For instance, RPGs and MMORPGs like Dota and League of Legends have a steeper learning curve. These games tend to be complex with characters, their abilities, and gameplay.

Meanwhile, esports games like Fortnite and Rocket League are easy to learn. They have not-so-complicated gameplay and a lenient learning curve. Even though these games are easier to play, they are hard to master.

Top 5 Easiest Esports Games in 2022, Ranked

Here's the list, ranked in the order of their learning curve (slightly tough to easy).

5) Overwatch

An online FPS with a colorful ambiance and multiple game modes, Overwatch is the perfect blend of a gunfight and fun. The game features mechanical variety, having different characters with varying abilities against each other.

The game has produced players like Sinatra, JJonak, Jake, etc., in the past. However, it seems to be losing its position in eSports over time. There are multiple reasons for this –

• Direct competitor Valorant, gaining momentum.
• Lack of significant updates in the game.
• Drop in popularity.

Although not to worry, the game has not entirely died yet. Some upcoming tournaments are- ESL One Stockholm Major, Mid-Season Invitational, PGL Major Antwerp, and IEM Katowice.

Honestly, the game is one of the toughest on the list. New players need a significant learning curve, while experienced ones need regular practice.

4) Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

The fast-paced FPS has barely any ‘story’ but is a treat for gamers who love gunplay without unnecessary drama. Players get to choose from several maps and game modes. They can also customize guns and agents through micro transactions in the steam store.

Counter-Strike is over a decade old, but still holds an active competition in the eSports leagues. International players from different countries compete against each other in tournaments like PGL Major and IEM Rio Major. Players like Shroud, TenZ, and Shahzm have earned fame through the eSports CSGO platform.

The game is not easy to play but one can learn quickly. Platforms like YouTube and Twitch are crowded with CS GO players to date. You can simply hop on to one of the videos and learn the game within an hour.

3) Fortnite

Globally popular title Fortnite offers a battle royale experience to gamers. You will be playing against a hundred others on the same map with a vast option of item loot. One needs to collect loot, manage inventory and build towers to defend against other players.

Pertaining to a massive fan base, Fortnite has an active eSports scene. However, for several reasons, the game has lost many active streamers. Famous personalities like Matsoe and Zarby have taken their leave and moved to other games. The fans have negative feedback towards the FNCS (Fortnite Championship Series).

Fortnite is relatively easy because of the presence of bots that behave similarly to real players. They make it easy to survive longer in a match.

2) Hearthstone

Hearthstone is a fantasy-themed card game, where players go against each other with strategic moves, outdoing the opponent’s deck. The game offers several modes, from 1v1 to team battles and several others. The game has its roots in the Warcraft mythology of the same developer.

Hearthstone has a huge eSports presence where global players go against each other. Players like Liooon and Trump have made their way through the game, gaining popularity. The prize payouts go as high as 20 million.

Some of the famous tournaments this year are- ESL One Stockholm Major, Mid-Season Invitational, PGL Major Antwerp, and IEM Katowice.

However, this year the game has bid goodbye to its grand masters, making way for new members in the community. This is a big move for the franchise. The game has a casual approach, making it easy to learn. However, the mastery lies in the strategies of a player.

1) Rocket League

You have definitely played football before, but not with cars. Rocket League is a football game with players on cars with jet engines.

Being a tier 2 game, the Rocket League has an active eSports presence. The game’s flagship event is the Rocket League Championship Series, which has been expanding and prize pool ever since. Famous names like GarrettG, Jstn, and Chicago are associated with the game.

The game has an easy outlandish ambiance with no complexity in controls. One can follow the tutorials and get used to the game in no time. However, it’s not easy once you start playing against experienced players!

Most of these games are easy to learn and tough to master. Just get a friend who plays one of these, learn from him and start playing with him regularly.

You might be interested in: 5 Toughest Esports Games in 2022, Ranked

The post 5 Easiest eSports Games (2022), Ranked appeared first on Gaming.net.

One genre of games that has amassed the most amount of titles is FPS. Within that genre, is a compilation of thousands of different sub-genres of FPS from mil-sims to battle royales. Yet, despite the absurd amount of games, the same titles seem to remain the genre's most popular. That's the case for the five best FPS games right now, which is June of 2022. The hierarchy has well-been established and does not appear to be changing anytime soon.

That's most likely because as it stands now, the top five FPS games of June are bringing balance to the FPS genre. The list has a good degree of diversity, with each title providing an original experience. For a long time, it was dominated by Battlefield, Call of Duty, and Fortnite. All these games remain significant in the FPS genre, however, they are taking a period to recuperate, leaving the window open for other games. The games on this list saw their opportunity, seized it, and are looking to hold it. As a result, they make the current standings as the best FPS games right now.

5. Escape From Tarkov

Escape From Tarkov made a huge presence in the FPS scene back on the 16th of December 2021. That's most likely because roughly every four months the game completely wipes itself, resetting gamers back to the start. This brings balance back to the game, but also tons of hype to start grinding it again. That was exactly the case last wipe, and most likely will be the result of the most recent one, which is expected to take place sometime in June.

If you haven't yet played Escape from Tarkov, this is an excellent time to do it, so you can properly prepare yourself for the following wipe. That's not just talking about loot, which will all be eradicated with the wipe, but mainly in-game knowledge.

Escape from Tarkov is the most complex FPS game you'll ever play, from map, loot, and to even gun knowledge. If you want to survive, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the maps, as you could just be leading yourself into a hotbed for action. You'll also need to know how to loot in order to finish tasks and equip yourself with sustainable gear.  Lastly, gun modifications are a one-to-one replica, with a full market for parts. Plus, you'll also have to face the harsh reality of Tarkov, which is that the game is relentlessly unforgiving and nerve-racking in its gameplay, making it extremely rewarding.

4. Valorant

Valorant is a 5v5 tactical shooter made by riot games. The game was recently released in 2020 and already has made itself into a competitive Esport. As a result, it's compiled a wave of die-hard fans supporting it. Ultimately your goal in Valorant is to plant or defuse the bomb at multiple bomb sites. What Valorant doe's so different with this idea is the inclusion of abilities and ultimates in its gameplay. Your abilities must be considered and utilized to win the round, just as you rely on your aim to win a gun battle.

This makes Valorant one of the more complex FPS titles on the scene, which gamers seem to love or hate. However, the game is still a lot of fun to play, and it's still a new title, so we haven't seen the full extent of where its popularity can and might go to. Plus, with news just recently revealed about Valorant's new 2022 Esports plans, fans have never been more excited to grind the game in anticipation of what's to come.

3. CS:GO

Before Valorant came CS:GO. Since its release in 2012, CS:GO has been one of the most played FPS games of all time. And even a decade later, in 2022, the title remains as one of the most played FPS games. CS:GO is also a 5v5 tactical shooter, where Terrorist and Counter-Terrorist look to plant or defuse the bomb on a bombsite. While that may sound like a simple concept, there is a massive amount of strategy that goes into every decision.

It's exactly that strategy that has made the game such a long-running success. And with so much going on in the Esports scene in June, it's shaping up to be another fantastic month for the game. There are five pro tournaments taking place, with two of CSGO's most notable ones, that being IEM XVII Dallas and the BLAST premier Spring Final. As a result of all the Esports hype, fans are coming back to the game to test out how their skills match up in ranked play. Making CS:GO one of the best FPS games right now in June.

2. Apex Legends

When Apex Legends first came out in 2019, it wasn't exactly smooth sailing. The game had a rush of players at first, then it didn't, then they came back and left again; it was a constant back and forth. However, the game has now brought itself to a place where gamers are here to stay since it has risen to one of the best FPS games in recent months, with the trend expected to continue in June.

Apex Legends is a 3v3 battle royale, with guns, of course, however much like Valorant each character, known as champions, has their own abilities and ultimate to use in battle. This combined with the incredibly fast-paced movement of the game has made Apex Legends one of the hardest FPS battle royales out there. Players are loving the challenge more than ever, as the game has never been in a more refined state. Plus, Season 13 just released with a new champion, changing the current meta.

1. PUBG: Battlegrounds

Some FPS titles, just never lose their amusement. That argument can be made for PUBG, which is already in its fifth year and continues to dominate the FPS landscape. The game dominated all FPS titles in player count in May of 2022, and while it may slip due to other FPS action in June, you can expect PUBG to remain high on the list. The game has grown into one of the highest-paying esports games, simply for its outstanding FPS gameplay.

Players drop into a battle royale and from there must loot up, kill and be the last one standing to be the winner, winner, chicken dinner. It is a simple concept, but PUBG has executed it so well that players can't get enough of the game's gunfight gameplay. Every fight feels challenging and complete, from close quarters fighting to far-ranging snipes. The only question left, is are you good enough of a marksman to take on its dedicated player base? Only one way to find out.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other great FPS games right now that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post 5 Best FPS Games Right Now (June 2022) appeared first on Gaming.net.

For the select few of us who don't have the leisure of gaming on a Console or PC, our only option may come in the form of a Mac laptop or desktop computer. The good news is that the amount of games that have opened up their compatibility for Mac has steadily been increasing over time. Now it's at a point where there are tons of games that you can play for Mac. With so much selection, we wanted to count down the five best games to play on Mac in 2022.

This list is full of new and exciting titles, that you may have not known were compatible with your Mac device. On top of that, they are all optimized so that you aren't playing games at the frame rate comparable to that of a picture book. We know you want to get the best gaming experience possible and we won't let your platform hold you back from doing so. With this list of the best games to play on Mac, all you have to worry about is which one to pick first!

5. Cuphead

Cuphead is a game that broke headlines with its release back in 2017. The side-scrolling run and gun game received praise for its art style, which is of a retro cartoon style. From start to finish the game is a visual masterpiece that is captivating all the way through. Equally, its narrative is a compelling one as well. You take the role of Cuphead, who falls into debt at the Devil's casino. To make up for the charges, you have to repossess the souls of other runaway characters who are also in dire debt to the Devil.

At this point, the action comes into full effect. In an appropriate arcade-style, you will have to dip, dive and dodge everything that's thrown your way. At the same time, you need to be firing back with the many varying attacking patterns you possess yourself. The gameplay can be challenging at times, but it is also very rewarding. There has never been a better time to get into Cuphead, as the DLC, The Delicious Last Course is set to release on June 30.

4. Divinity: Original Sin II

If you're looking for a great RPG game, a current popular title is Divinity: Original Sin II. The game is single and multiplayer, with up to four players. The game itself is a reactive world that develops based on your in-game decisions. This is done by being able to interact with a ton of in-game characters through multiple dialogue options. You can take up new quests for them, further dive into a storyline, or even kill them if you please.

There's a lot to take in here if you're interested in character customization. There are 14 total classes to choose from, all with their own positives and negatives. Furthermore, how you want to develop your character really is an open book. There are over 100 different skills to craft your character with, from teleportation to even summoning allies to help you in the heat of battle. Whether you're on your own or with a group of friends, expect to find yourself hooked playing Divinity: Original Sin 2.

3. Hades

You'll be surprised to learn that one of the most critically praised games of 2020 is also playable on Mac. That game is Hades, and it's developed by Supergiant Games. The company has a solid track record with its Indie titles, so it's worth checking out their other Mac-compatible games here. However, their most notable one is Hades, and it was many gamers' favorite game of the year— almost winning the game of the year. Although it didn't, it was nominated for the title alongside eight other awards. Which saw itself walking away with awards for the Best Indie and Action game of 2022.

So there's no doubt that Hades isn't an excellent game, but what's its mojo? Hades is a roguelike, isometric action game where you play as Zagreus, the son of Hades. Through hack and slash combat, you are trying to escape the Underworld. How you choose to fight is up to you as there are tons of different abilities you can get for Zagreus from other Greek Gods. Furthermore, you can use different fighting abilities, which makes the game's action combat, endlessly fun.

2. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)

Other than Fortnite, which is also Mac compatible, you won't find a better FPS title to play on Mac that's on the same par as CS:GO. The game has been a long-running success since its release in 2012 and is one of the most-watched Esports games in the world. The best part is you get to participate in all the FPS action since the game is cross-play between PC and Mac. What's more, the game isn't too difficult to run and should provide an enjoyable performance experience.

On various maps, players face off 5v5, in a best of 30-round series. The whole goal is to win the most rounds by planting or defusing the bomb on one of the bomb sites, whilst taking out the attacking or defending enemy team. The game may be enjoyed in a variety of game modes, including casual and competitive versions, the latter of which has emerged as the top FPS game on the Esports scene. Without a doubt, CS:GO is the number one FPS option for Mac in 2022.

1. Minecraft

A game that most likely will never lose its status as the best game to play on Mac, is Minecraft. That dwindles down for two main reasons. One, you have endless possibilities for ways to create, play and explore the game. It may be a single-player or multiplayer survival or creative sandbox. With that, you can basically play any type of game within the realm of Minecraft servers. Minecraft may be a battle royale game, an RPG game, or a collection of mini-games such as death run, obstacle courses, and a variety of other game modes.

Secondly, the game is fully optimized for Mac, so you don't have to worry about it breaking down your computer's hardware and overall performance. For this reason, and the endless amount of possibilities the game holds, Minecraft is by far the best game to play on Mac. It's doubtful that you'll ever get tired of the game because it constantly has something fresh to offer and you'll find yourself returning to it time and time again.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other games you can play on Mac that you feel should be on this list? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post 5 Best Games to Play on Mac (2022) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Did you know that the video-game industry is bigger and more profitable than both the movie and music industries, combined? It's can be hard to believe but it's true. A big thanks for this achievement comes from Esports. In 2021, the global Esport market pushed just over a billion dollars in revenue, with this number expected to double in just a few years. The industry's five highest-paying Esports games are responsible for a large portion of this weight, although numerous other games also contribute.

Evidently, the sport's biggest games, and its most notable players, are making a comfy amount of pocket change. 2022 is no exception as it's projected to be one of the highest-paying years in Esports history. That begs for us to know what are the highest paying Esport games in 2022, and with that what their top players are walking away with. So, if you're on the fence about quitting your job to become an Esports pro, after reading this list, you might just want to follow through.

5. Arena of Valor

Arena of Valor is a competitive MOBA that is similar to League of Legends (LoL) except the Esports entirely mobile. So despite it not quite hitting the astronomical numbers LoL doe's every year, it's still an impressively close race. Neither title comes close to competing with the ultimate MOBA, DOTA 2 in terms of prize money, but there is still a good chunk of cash awarded. In 2022, the Arena of Valor World International Championship features a $2 million dollar prize pool.

That's not even the biggest tournament either. The 2022 Arena of Valor World Cup is breaking records this year by offering a total $10 million dollar payout, the highest it's ever been. I can't forget to mention a healthy $3.5 million of that going to the victors. For being a mobile Esport, the game is bringing in an absurd amount of money. With the top individual players making easily over half a million a year and the top 100, over six figures. Even players that fall below the top 100 mark are amounting a liveable income off the game.

4. PlayerUnkown's Battlegrounds Mobile

The mobile version of PlayerUnkown's Battlegrounds (PUBG Mobile), is another competing mobile game on the Esports scene. For some odd reason, the mobile version of the game is pulling in more prize pool money in Esports than its PC and console counterparts. The highest professional league for the game in China, the Peacekeeper Elite League (PEL) is bringing an annual $10 million in 2022 for its prize pool. Which has been the case for multiple years in a row.

The second biggest tournament for the mobile version is the PMGC, and in 2022 its prize pool is just under $3.5 million. With the winner, winner, chicken dinner walking away with $1.5 million. Not bad a bad income for a game played entirely on mobile. So it's no question that PUBG Mobile will only grow its prize pool every year, as the game is continuously raking in the money.

So far this year its top five players have already made over three-hundred thousand in under four months. By the end of the year, the game's top players make just over a million a year, with the rest filling up the top 100 making no less than two-hundred and fifty thousand a year. In fact, over the last three years, give or take, the top 300 players are making over six figures.

3. League of Legends

To no one's surprise, League of Legends (LoL) is once again set to be one of the highest-paying Esports games in 2022. Its largest tournament, the LoL World Championship has a constantly fluctuating prize pool, with last year around $2 million, and in 2022 it looks like it's shaping up to be the same. Despite LoL not having the biggest prize pool for its biggest tournament, it definitely has the most events. Add all of these together and LoL amounts to some of the biggest prize pool money each year of all Esports games.

The game is also one of the highest paying Esports games to its players. The game's current top players like Faker, Duke, and Bengi are consistently making over $1 million a year. With the top 50 players pulling easily over half a million. This isn't even to account for sponsorships, team bonuses, and streaming revenue, which could easily double if not triple these profits.

2. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

It's only fitting that an FPS like Counter-Strike Global: Offensive (CS:GO) is the consistent runner-up for the highest-paying Esports game, every year. In 2021 the game's total prize pool amounted to just under $22 million, with 2022 expected to top that number by a fair amount. It looks like CS:GO Esports is already off to a good start, as the game already is showing impressive prize pools.

We are still early into the year, but two big-name tournaments have already dropped their prize pool. IEM Katowice 2022 is opening with a $1 million dollar prize pool, and the BLAST Premier is set at $2.47 million across all its events. Not bad considering we are only one-third through the year, with many more events to come.

Despite players having to dice up and split a majority of the prize money, CS:GO is one of the most profitable Esports of 2022. So far, its top five players have already made over six figures, and are projected to fly past half a million by the end of the year.

1. Dota 2

All hail the king of Esports!

For the last nine years, Dota 2 has been the highest-paying Esports game. If it can achieve that record again this year, which it undoubtedly will, their decade-long reign of being the highest paying Esports game, will be complete. And something leads me to believe, that it will achieve this with flying colors.

Last year in 2021, Dota 2's biggest tournament, known as The International, broke a record for the largest prize pool for an Esports game, with just over $40 million. And if the money pattern continues, The International 2022 should be able to surpass $50 million this year.

Now if you really want to see some jaw-dropping numbers, take a look at this. in 2021 the Esport's top five players all made over $3 million in individual profit. With its top twenty players pulling in over half a million. That's an absurd amount of money to be circulating around one game, but I guess where it rains, it pours. With Dota 2 continuously pushing its Esports profit, there's a promising chance it will break more records in 2022 for the highest-paying Esports game.

So after reading, are you considering becoming a pro in some of the highest paying Esports games?  Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

Looking for more content? Don't worry we have you covered with the articles below!

5 Epic Wizarding Worlds You Should Try Before Hogwarts Legacy

5 Best Isometric RPGs of All Time, Ranked

The post 5 Highest Paying Esports Games in 2022 appeared first on Gaming.net.

If you're looking at getting a pre-built PC from Razer, then you made the right choice. Razers R1 series of prebuilt PCs is headlined by MainGear which means you know you're receiving a good quality setup. Even if you go along the lines of the Razer Core X, you'll be transforming your PC into a gaming powerhouse. And, of course, once you've got your Razer PC, you'll want to show it off. The good news is that any of the games on this list will put on a show for you.

If you want to play some of the most popular FPS games to date, your Razer setup has you covered. If you're looking to capture all the stunning visuals your Razer PC can produce, there are games on this list to prove it. And if you really want to show off how well your Razer PC can perform, the last title on our list is pushing the envelope and will truly demonstrate how powerful your Razer PC is in terms of performance. Behold, here are the five best games to show off your Razer PC.

5. Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 may not have accomplished the extreme standards it set out to, but it didn't completely fail. It still brought us an immaculate environment, one of the vastest and most diverse we have ever seen in an RPG game. Its nightlife-inspired metropolis is a stunning sight to behold, and it will most likely appear much better on your Razer PC. That's because R1 Razer PCs are equipped with the best graphics cards on the market, the thirty series line of Nvidia Geforce graphic cards. Once you mention that, no one will be questioning how well your Razer PC will perform.

And if you want to showcase those amazing Ray Tracing capabilities, then Cyberpunk 2077 and Razer is a perfect match. Its enabled with a Ray Tracing Optimization Mod, which further optimizes Ray Tracing in-game performance. You'll want to take advantage of this as city nights in Cyberpunk have tons of reflections, bouncing light, and colorful highlights that want to be shown off. And if you want to show off, Cyberpunk and a Razer PC are the way to go.

4. Tiny Tinas Wonderlands

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, a new game with a focus on comic-style graphics on display. This makes perfect use to show off your Razer PC. Made by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is an open-world adventure with so much to explore and thank's to its unique graphics it never comes across as dull. With a game with this type of aesthetics, you'll want to double the FPS output more than ever before, because comic-style games look bad at low FPS but look fantastic at high FPS.

If you're rocking this title with a new pre-built Razer PC, then that won't be a problem.  Easily expect your Razer PC to push 120 frames in, I would argue, any story game. Story games frequently feel like a playable movie and having a high frame rate to go with it just adds to the immersion. If you want to impress your friends, get an FPS tracker and play some of the latest story games for them; they'll be blown away when they see the number of frames you're continually pushing.

3. Apex Legends

Try out your Razer PC on Apex Legends if you want to compete against some of the finest FPS gamers in the world in one of the most fast-paced FPS games to date. Apex Legends is one of the most difficult battle royale games I've ever played, owing to the game's heavy emphasis on mobility. This means you'll often find yourself needing to pull a quick one-eighty or flick on opponents at a moment's notice. The last thing you want to happen is your screen tearing or operating at a low FPS preventing you from giving it your all.

If you're rocking a pre-built Razer PC, this won't be an issue for you. Even in the biggest battle royales, like Apex, you'll be pumping a constant frame rate, so you won't be able to blame low FPS for your death. Or for that matter if the graphics are unclear. R1 Razer Edition PCs are built for the most demanding of games, and while Apex is running in the middle of the pack, it's no challenge for you're Razer PC, and a great game to show off its performance.

2. Counter-Strike Global Offensive

Sure Counter-Strike Global Offensive (CS:GO) isn't one of the most demanding FPS games on the market, but at moments it can be. Just hear me out. You're pushing a site and you're team starts throwing a plethora of grenades, in turn, the enemy team counter's this with multiple smoke grenades. If you've played CS:GO you know in these moments, FPS can drop and really affect your in-game performance. You won't have to worry about that now that all R1 Razer PCs include Ray Tracing.

Ray Tracing will further optimize these graphics with your game's general display graphics. Further ensuring that you don't lose a significant amount of FPS in a graphically demanding area. After all, you need to rely on your PC to give you the best performance in the most crucial of moments. One PC you know you can rely on, is a pre-built Razer.

1. Elden Ring

If you really want to push the limits of your Razer PC, give it a trial on Elden Ring. The largest open-world ARPG to date, with a dynamic scenery, needs a powerful PC to fully enjoy it. In turn, your PC needs to show its limits. Well for Elden Ring, I say show me what you got. I guarantee you won't notice a performance hit from your Razer PC if you crank up the graphics settings to get the most immersive experience possible. You should be getting plenty of impressionable faces showing off one of the greatest games on one of the best pre-built PCs.

On a more serious note, pre-built PCs can often be spotty and overpriced, and a lot don't seem to really offer what they advertise. Razer PCs, being designed by Main Gear, aren't exploiting its pre-built factor for more money. Actually, for a pre-built PC with this level of performance, the upfront price is a steal.

 If you're looking at getting a Razer PC then tell us what games you'll be using it with? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

Looking for more content? Don't worry we have you covered with the articles below!

5 Best Gaming Keyboards of 2022

5 Essential Razer Gaming Accessories (2022)

The post 5 Best Games to Show Off Your Razer PC appeared first on Gaming.net.

Back on March 2nd, ESL followed suit with the rest of the world by imposing sanctions on Russian-related companies, teams, and players. ESL had stated that any team with “apparent ties to the Russian government” would be banned from the tournament.

The solution was that players could still compete as long as it was under a “neutral” name. Preventing any type of relation to Russia in light of the situation that is constantly developing in Ukraine.

While these sanctions only affected Gambit Esports and Virtus Pro, both teams would need to change their name in order to compete. Virtus Pro acted quickly and renamed themselves “outsiders” just a week after the announcement.

Gambit Esports on the other hand took a little longer to decide. But, it looks like the squad has made their decision, and has temporarily re-labeled themselves as team “Players”. Yes, you read that right.

Gambit players have agreed to compete in #ESLProLeague Season 15 under neutral conditions. They will be known as the team "Players" throughout the competition.

With that, all teams for Season 15 are now confirmed! pic.twitter.com/x3xl2wsLh8

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) March 14, 2022

ESL Pro Leauge Season 15

Well, it may be weird seeing these players competing under these names it marks good news. This confirms all teams for ESL Pro League Season 15, which is set for a full schedule of FPS action.

The Group Stage has already kicked off on March 9 and will run till April 3rd. You may have missed out on some of the action so here is a quick run-down of what has happened so far.

Three teams have advanced from the Group A playoff stage, those teams are:

• NIP (Ninjas In Pyjamas)
• Fnatic
• Entropiq

The following teams competed in a cluster of matches yesterday and it came with a clean sweep across the board for G2 Esports, Mouse Esports, and Entropiqteam.

The final three results of #ESLProLeague group A are in!@G2esports 2-0 @NIPCS @mousesports 2-0 @LFOcsgo @Entropiqteam 2-0 @FNATIC pic.twitter.com/Wsm88hBAL1

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) March 13, 2022

These three teams have secured their spot in the playoffs, which will take place starting April 5th. In the meantime, there are a ton of matches that need to be played for Group B, C, and D. You can catch all these games from March 16th all the way till April 3rd. The results from these group stages will determine the other three teams that will compete for the championship.

So what are your thoughts on Gambit Esports new name? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here.

Looking for more content? Don't worry we have you covered with the articles below!

Fnatic beat G2 2-1 on Mirage ESL Pro League Season 15

Gambit Players to Compete in ESL Pro League Season 15 Under a ‘Neutral Name’

The post Gambit to Compete in ESL Pro League Season 15 under the Team Name “Players” appeared first on Gaming.net.