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Following rumors back in March that Valve had something special up its sleeves for user-made maps, comes the official unveiling of ' Operation Payback '. The service, which costs a flat $5.99 fee, allows unlimited access to dedicated servers hosting top-voted community maps, but only until July 31.
The $5.99 will go towards paying back (hence the name) the top-rated Counter-Strike mapmakers whose work is featured among the seven maps on the servers. These include Museum, Downtown, Thunder, Favela, Motel, Seaside and Library. The pass also comes with a personalised bronze challenge coin, which is attached to your avatar to prove that you contributed to Operation Payback. You'll also be able to invite friends to the servers free-of-charge.
Shaun Prescott is the Australian editor of PC Gamer. With over ten years experience covering the games industry, his work has appeared on GamesRadar+, TechRadar, The Guardian, PLAY Magazine, the Sydney Morning Herald, and more. Specific interests include indie games, obscure Metroidvanias, speedrunning, experimental games and FPSs. He thinks Lulu by Metallica and Lou Reed is an all-time classic that will receive its due critical reappraisal one day.
