New Counter-Strike: GO Screenshots and Videos

On Friday, Develop reported that Valve is taking full advantage of Sony's "relaxed" PlayStation Network by implementing cross-platform gameplay between the PlayStation 3 console, Mac and Windows PC (Steam) for the upcoming shooter Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The news shouldn't be surprising given that Valve's recently-released Portal 2 also offers the same cross-platform connectivity.

Additional reports confirm that Valve will host its own dedicated servers, as the company wants players to have access to a consistent experience (although players supposedly can still host and tweak their own games). PC, Mac and PlayStation 3 players will also be match-made against each other based on their skill, regardless of input device or platform. That said, PlayStation 3 owners will have the option to use the typical controller, PlayStation Move, or a mouse/keyboard combination.

Naturally as with Portal 2, the PlayStation 3 version of CS:GO will also include Steamworks. According to Valve bossman Gabe Newell, Portal 2's success has shown that this is working out rather well -- gamers using Steam within Sony's PlayStation Network -- despite previous fears of allowing a third-party network to infiltrate Sony's sacred ground.

"With the release of the first Portal 2 DLC people will really see the value of Sony allowing Steam to be released on their system," he said. "We can patch and update regularly, and I think not only us but other developers are benefiting from Sony’s approach."

"I think Sony will start to benefit from what it’s doing," he added. "They’ve done the scary thing and I think it’s up to us as developers to make sure Sony and its customers are rewarded. We and other developers have to show we’re creating value to Sony for opening up its network. We have to show them it’s a smart business move."

Friday also saw the launch of two videos and a batch of screenshots from the upcoming game, as seen below.

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