Digital Dust

An overview

When Counter Strike Global Offensive was launched in 2012, the floodgates were open for hordes of sweaty nerds around the world. These people were free to roam the developer maps provided by Valve© and dabble in the standard game modes with its set rules and strategies. 

Amongst the tens of millions who bought the game however, there were a select portion who were not content to play within the confines of the factory standard. These people were modders. From behind their pcs they willed into being entire worlds and innovative game styles, reinventing the game as extensions of their own vibrant personalities. In tribute to these creations, alternate servers and communities were formed. All of which takes time, effort and money. 

Toxic Gaming Australia (AUSTG) is one such community. Famed primarily for its zombie escape mode, its servers once teemed with players and amassed a following of dedicated players. It has been in existence for almost 2 years, but now it seems as if it is on its last legs. Its zombie escape server is continually empty. On its forums, players bemoan the “deadness” that has taken hold. What’s more is that the owner is hemorrhaging money in keeping the servers alive, as donations and advertising fail to adequately fund its maintenance fee. Every month and every negative balance sheet, hope for life is becoming slimmer and slimmer.

On this website, we seek to document this community as it faces its own demise. We talk to some of its frequent players and admins as they reflect on their experience in this online space, what attracted them in the first place, and how they feel as an era comes to an end. It is a small reflection of those who are compelled to play video games day in and day out, the friendships formed and the temporality of it all.