Update: Valve just announced that Counter-Strike Global Offensive (CS:GO) is headed to PSN, Xbox Live Arcade, and Steam in early 2012. Expanding upon the team-based gameplay the original CS pioneered, CS:GO features “new maps, characters, and weapons and delivers updated versions of the classic CS content (de_dust, etc.).” In addition, CS: GO will introduce new gameplay modes, matchmaking, leader boards, and more.

“Counter-Strike took the gaming industry by surprise when the unlikely MOD became the most played online PC action game in the world almost immediately after its release in August 1999,” said Doug Lombardi, VP of Marketing at Valve. “For the past 12 years, it has continued to be one of the most-played games in the world, headline competitive gaming tournaments and selling over 25 million units worldwide across the franchise. CS: GO promises to expand on CS’ award-winning gameplay and deliver it to gamers on the PC as well as the next gen consoles and the Mac.”

The title will make its first public debut at PAX Prime and Eurogamer Expo 2011.

Original Story: Talk among eSports players suggests Valve is about to unveil an all-new Counter-Strike title, dubbed Counter-Strike Global Offensive. ESL product manager Bastian Veiser tweeted earlier that Valve was showing off at the title at its HQ today, giving those in the competitive gaming scene a chance to share their thoughts ahead of the announcement.

“Just spent all day playing the new Counterstrike Global Offensive #CSGO at the #Valve HQ ! God I love my job.. oh and yeah… its that good!”, tweeted Veiser.

Additionally, a Valve staffer name-dropped Global Offensive over on the Steam user forums. Unless this is all a carefully plotted ruse, that suggests this is, you know, a real thing.

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