Who are Perfect World, the TO of the next Major in CS2?

Perfect World, a prominent name in the gaming industry, is set to make history as the tournament organizer (TO) of the next CS2 Major, the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024. This event marks the first Counter-Strike Major to be held in Asia, a significant milestone for both Perfect World and the global Counter-Strike community. Known primarily as Valve's Chinese partner for publishing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in China, Perfect World has steadily built its reputation as a key player in the esports arena.

Background of Perfect World

Perfect World, established as a significant force in the Chinese gaming market, partnered with Valve to bring CS:GO to China. This collaboration included not only the game's distribution but also the establishment of a dedicated platform for Chinese players, ensuring compliance with local regulations and offering tailored features for the regional audience.

As the publisher of CS:GO in China, Perfect World launched the game in 2017, initially through a closed beta and later through an open beta. This move was part of a broader strategy to expand the game's reach and integrate it more deeply into the Chinese esports ecosystem. The launch included unique features such as a dedicated launcher, identity verification processes, and special in-game content designed to appeal to the local player base.

Major Achievements and Contributions

Since stepping into the esports scene, Perfect World has organized a variety of significant events that have contributed to the growth of competitive gaming in Asia. Their journey as a tournament organizer began in 2017, and they quickly made a name for themselves by hosting high-stakes tournaments with substantial prize pools.

Notable Events:

CS:GO Asia Championships 2018: This event, boasting a $300,000 prize pool, marked Perfect World's entry into organizing major esports tournaments. It set the stage for their future endeavors by drawing international teams and significant viewership.
CS:GO Asia Championships 2019: With an increased prize pool of $500,000, this tournament underscored Perfect World's commitment to elevating the competitive scene in Asia. The event attracted top-tier teams and showcased high-level gameplay.
CS Asia Championships 2023: Continuing their trend of hosting prestigious tournaments, Perfect World organized this event with a $500,000 prize pool, further cementing their status as a key player in the esports industry. FaZe Clan emerged victorious, adding to the tournament's prestige.

Regional Qualifiers and Local Events: Beyond these major tournaments, Perfect World has also been instrumental in organizing regional qualifiers for the Majors and numerous local online and LAN events. These efforts have provided a platform for emerging talent in the region and have helped to cultivate a robust competitive environment in Asia.

Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024

The upcoming Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 represents a landmark moment for Perfect World and the global Counter-Strike community. As the first Major to be held in Asia, it is expected to draw unprecedented attention and participation from top teams worldwide. The event will feature a substantial prize pool, and its success could pave the way for more high-profile tournaments in the region.

Special Features and Innovations

Perfect World has introduced several unique features and innovations to the CS experience in China. These include:

Dedicated Launcher: Perfect World created a special launcher for CS, which integrates directly with their platform and includes specific features tailored to the Chinese market.
Identity Verification: Players in China must complete an identity verification process to play CSthrough Perfect World, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.
Special In-Game Content: Perfect World has released exclusive stickers, graffiti, and other in-game items based on traditional and popular Chinese cultural icons. These items are highly sought after by players and collectors.
Localized Servers and Services: Perfect World operates localized servers to provide optimal gameplay experiences for Chinese players. These servers are separate from the global servers, ensuring compliance with local regulations and offering a tailored gaming experience.

Differences from Global CS

There are notable differences between the Perfect World version of CS and the global version, including:

Censorship Adjustments: To comply with Chinese censorship laws, certain visual elements, such as blood decals and skull symbols, have been altered or removed in the Perfect World version.
Localized Content: Achievements, console commands, and some UI elements are localized into Chinese to cater to the local player base.
Limited Cross-Region Play: Players using the Perfect World client cannot play with non-Perfect World players or join non-Perfect World servers, creating a more isolated ecosystem.

Future Prospects

The success of the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 could significantly impact the future of Counter-Strike esports in Asia. By hosting a Major, Perfect World is setting a precedent for more high-profile tournaments to be held in the region, potentially attracting more international attention and investment. This could lead to increased opportunities for Asian players and teams, further integrating the region into the global esports community.

Conclusion

Perfect World has played a crucial role in the expansion and localization of CS:GO in China, and their efforts as a tournament organizer have helped elevate the competitive scene in Asia. The upcoming Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 is a testament to their dedication and influence in the esports world. As the first Counter-Strike Major in Asia, this event is poised to make a significant impact and pave the way for future developments in the region.