I think CS will keep its popularity. Only players who can't cut it at a high level in CS are bailing to Valorant.

You mean like Skadoodle?

It's different for professional players, isn't it:

>'On June 3rd 2020, it was announced by T1 that he has resumed his professional career but in Valorant - reuniting with ex-iBUYPOWER teammates Braxton "swag" Pierce and Keven "AZK" Larivière in the process.' (https://liquipedia.net/counterstrike/Skadoodle) //

If Valorant is less aim-based (I don't know) wouldn't that make sense for a retiree from a more aim-based game?

Also Valorant could have just paid a load of CSGO "names" to move to their games as part of their marketing.

For sure. I don't know about all you, but I would go nuts if I had to stay in the same job forever. Sometimes you desire new challenges or greener pastures.

FWIW I've played the same game competitively for the past 11 years, while also doing the same job (programmer). Not sure how that reflects on me haha, but despite doing the same thing, the "meta" and skill level is dramatically different for both.

Sure, it takes all kinds.

However, I feel the need to point out the difference between playing something competitively (hobby) versus playing something professionally (job). The first is something you do to unwind after a day of work... the second is work. There's usually a large difference in time spent and focus.

Or players past their prime.

or Hiko for that matter.

So instead of "couldn't make it top", we're talking about players "who couldn't stay at the top" ?

I think “can't cut it at a high level“ was meant to cover both.

On the one hand, with TTKs the same as CS, it's unlikely it will ever be as ability heavy as Overwatch.

On the other hand, unless Riot deviates massively from my expectations, they will release new agents so often, and with such power creep, that it will get pretty damn abilities-heavy and approach Overwatch.