Valve's recent decision to ban nearly a hundred Counter-Strike: Global Offensive accounts have just shaken its community as it has targeted several high net-worth accounts. The fallout from the ban wave has led to an estimated $6 million or so worth of in-game items - including one-of-a-kind skins, stickers, gloves, and knives - now stranded in digital limbo.
The bans follow accusations of illicit cryptocurrency laundering leveled by the gambling site, CSGOEmpire, against its rival platform CSGORoll. CSGOEmpire published a spreadsheet listing CS:GO traders alleged to have participated in the scheme. Notably, all but one of the traders on the controversial document have now found themselves hit by the ban hammer, fueling speculation that the crackdown was targeted.
CSGOEmpire has triumphantly touted this action as a victory over its competitor, which it accused of "illegally laundering $12.7 million in crypto over the last month alone." It also alleged attempts at blackmail to deter the list's publication. But, the allegations have been categorically denied by the owner of CSGORoll, who insists that the platform is a "gamified skins trading platform," not a gambling site. He argued that the absence of cash withdrawal options ensures it is not classified as a casino in its largest markets.
The murky circumstances surrounding the ban wave have ratcheted up tensions within the CS:GO community. Many traders, fearing further bans, have reportedly begun selling their in-game assets. Valve's refusal to comment on the issue hasn't helped either.