The hype train for Counter-Strike 2 derailed recently when Valve pulled a new map called Transit, just two days after its debut. The removal happened because players discovered an offensive slur hidden in the filename of a map poster, causing quite a stir in the community. This sequel to the immensely popular Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has faced a lot of scrutiny since its release in late 2023, even becoming one of Valve’s lowest-rated games initially.

Transit was featured in the October 1 update and was made for the game’s Wingman mode, set in the bustling streets of Vietnam. Players could even ride a moving train to gain an edge over rivals. Alongside Transit, the update introduced new maps, including “Rooftop,” “Palacio,” and “Golden,” but none of them stirred up drama like Transit did.

Reports reveal that Valve removed Transit after various offensive elements were uncovered since it launched. Apart from the slur, there were hints linking the map to shady cryptocurrency companies. It was live for less than 48 hours before being taken down.

Counter-Strike 2 Removes New Transit Map

Rikuda, the map’s original creator, spoke out against the swift removal, expressing frustration over how it could have been handled better. He emphasized that such issues could have been worked out with clearer communication, instead of yanking the map so quickly. However, he didn’t delve into the other contentious aspects of the map.

Despite the hiccup, Counter-Strike 2 is still keen on engaging its community. The October 1 update encouraged players to create and submit their own maps via Steam Workshop. Valve even rolled out fan-crafted gun charms with this update, showcasing their commitment to fan creativity. However, the recent controversy serves as a reminder that community content should align with the game’s values.

Source: TheGamer