Counter-Strike Co-creator Minh "Gooseman" Le recently expressed his satisfaction with Valve's stewardship of the iconic franchise. In a celebratory interview marking Counter-Strike's 25th anniversary with Spillhistorie.no, Le reflected on the game's journey and his decision to sell the IP to Valve.
Le lauded Valve's success in preserving Counter-Strike's legacy, stating that he was "happy with how things turned out," praising their efforts in maintaining the game's enduring popularity. He acknowledged the challenges of the transition to Steam, recalling early stability issues that hampered player access. However, he highlighted the invaluable support of the Counter-Strike community in navigating these technical hurdles.
The interview also delved into Le's inspiration for the game, citing classic arcade titles like Virtua Cop and Time Crisis, alongside the influence of action films from both Hong Kong and Hollywood. He recounted his collaboration with Jess Cliffe, who joined the project in 1999 to contribute to map design.
Le's journey began in 1998, while he was an undergraduate student, creating Counter-Strike as a Half-Life mod. The game's enduring success, now boasting over 25 million monthly players for Counter-Strike 2, is a testament to its lasting appeal. Le concluded by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Valve's talented developers, a collaboration that significantly enhanced his professional skills. His overall sentiment reflects a deep appreciation for Valve's role in ensuring the continued success and legacy of his creation.
