Reddit forum users have expressed serious concerns regarding the in-game content for the upcoming Counter-Strike 2 major in Cologne, Germany. The community speculates that Valve may refrain from releasing the usual capsules with stickers and player autographs due to the peculiarities of local legislation.
The discussions were sparked by strict legal restrictions: previously, Germany and the Netherlands definitively banned the classic case-opening mechanic, equating loot boxes to gambling. Now, local gamers can only open containers through a special "X-Ray Scanner." It shows the item in advance but blocks the sale of the case until it is actually opened.
Since tournament capsules with stickers are technically also loot boxes, they fall under the purview of German law. Players fear that developers will not spend resources on adapting the scanning system for stickers and will choose the easiest route – a complete refusal of traditional capsules during the championship in Germany or a radical change in their sales system.
Let us remind you that the IEM Cologne Major 2026 will take place from June 2 to June 21, 2026, at the famous Lanxess Arena in Cologne. This will be the fifth major in the history of Counter-Strike 2. The championship will feature the 32 best teams in the world competing for a substantial prize pool of $1,250,000.