Counter Strike Global Offensive Seniors

The Lien Foundation Seniors Go! for Counter Strike Global Offensive

Over the years, Counter-Strike games have represented a lot more than competitive esports, they have been a bastion of the digital community as a whole. Ever since the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test, a trend has been rising in Counter Strike blogs, forums, and other social media, where the community has healthy interactions and conversations that are rare nowadays, since a lot of gamer communities tend to be a bit more on the toxic side. Today, we're going to cover precisely how gaming can create value in communities, from Counter Strike Global Offensive to the new Counter Strike game, CS2.

In a heartwarming tale of community reinventing itself, a group of seniors between the ages of 62 and 74 have defied stereotypes by diving into the world of esports, particularly Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Through the Lien Foundation’s Seniors Go! program, these individuals completed a 14-week e-sports course that not only boosted their gaming skills but also cultivated new friendships and provided a new road for active aging.

The "S-Team," comprising Ms Evelyn “eT” Thio, 62; Mr Philip “Tango” Tang, 68; Ms Maisie “Steady” Lim, 74; and Mr Jimmy “Alfa” Tang, 74, met every Tuesday for three hours to learn the secrets of CS:GO. Initiated in July as part of the “Seniors Go!” initiative in collaboration with SCOGA E-sports Academy, the program aimed to combat aging problems by demonstrating that seniors could participate in activities traditionally associated with younger demographics.

The seniors learned new ways to unravel new information, like unfamiliar gaming terms, map callouts, and weapon names, promoting the use of search engines. With determination and the guidance of their trainers, including Mr. Wong Jeng Yih, 34, the group tackled the basics of keyboard controls and coordination with the mouse. The learning curve included mastering map callouts like “T lower” and “catwalk” while acquainting themselves with the diverse maps of CS:GO.

Through this course, not only did they become incredible Counter Strike players ready to transition into Counter Strike 2, but they also expanded their network of tools by learning how to use plenty of features available on any computer with an internet connection today.

Despite initial challenges, the seniors displayed enthusiasm and patience throughout the course. Homework involved memorizing new terms and practicing controls, reflecting their commitment to mastering the game. They even organized "field trips" to LAN shops to boost their skills and planned a trip to Johor Bahru for a CS:GO gaming excursion.

The seniors, fondly referred to as "S-Team," continued their gaming journey beyond the 14-week program. Their training not only enhanced motor skills but also provided a platform for social interaction, combating the loneliness prevalent among older people in Singapore. As Ms. Thio highlighted, in today's era of increased life expectancy, active aging involves stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing new experiences.

The seniors shared their challenges, from reflexes to motion sickness. Ms. Lim, experiencing bouts of motion sickness, even had to leave the room to vomit during the initial lessons. However, the support of fellow teammates and a determination to overcome challenges kept them going. Ms. Thio, on the verge of dropping out, found inspiration in her children's encouragement, recalling times she urged her son to persevere in his pursuits.

Beyond personal growth, the seniors discovered newfound confidence with computers, once perceived as intimidating. Mr. Jimmy Tang's transition from fearing technology to playing CS:GO with his grandchildren proves the positive impact of the program. Mr. Phillip Tang emphasized that the course opened doors for seniors to venture into other games, with CS:GO serving as a stepping stone to more complex games in the future.

The seniors want to continue learning, recognizing that 14 weeks were just the beginning. Mr. Wong revealed that the S-Team is ready to compete and explore more complex games like Valorant. For this group, the essence lies not in winning or losing but in the joy of learning. As Mr. Phillip Tang summarized, "Whether we win or lose each game, it doesn't matter. We're just learning." The story of "S-Team” proves that gaming knows no age, and the digital world has room for everyone, regardless of age.

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