The Counter-Strike game series is a set of multi-player shooter games. The games are for adults only, due to their depictions of realistic violence against vulnerable and defenceless characters. Recent Counter-Strike games are available only on PC (via Steam).
A player joins either a Terrorist or Counter-Terrorist team (with whom they can communicate using in-game chat features), which battle each other and compete on activities such as planting or defusing bombs. Players can practice the game alone by playing with bots (automated characters). People can spend money to buy in-game items such as weapon skins and cases (loot boxes containing random items).
Counter-Strike is not suitable for children so it does not offer parental controls. While the game menu has no time limits, parents can use the ‘Steam Families’ feature on the Steam app to restrict access to the game or set daily playtime limits. In-game settings include the ability to mute other players or turn off voice chat, and ensure player names are ‘clean’ (family friendly). A player can also decide if friends can automatically join their lobby to play a new game or if they need an invitation first. Additional safety settings are available via the gaming distribution app (such as Steam) or on the platform being used to play Counter-Strike e.g. Xbox.
