Game Tools

These are some of the software accessories that we like to use during the game night gatherings.

Counter-Strike Source Map Pack

There is now a new and improved map pack! We went through the list of maps and removed the ones that were glitchy, missing textures or crashed the server. If you have already downloaded the original Mega map pack, you should be all set. This is mainly intended for those that have not downloaded the Mega map pack yet and would like to avoid having to download each map as it loads.

You can download the GNC_Map_Pack.7z (426 MB) here.

You will need to have 7zip installed to uncompress the map pack. If you don't have it, you can get it here.

You will need to unzip everything into your Counter-Strike Source directory. Assuming you have installed Steam to the default directory should be:

(for 32 bit versions of Windows)

c:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\(your user ID)\counter-strike source

(for 64 bit versions of Windows)

c:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\(your user ID)\counter-strike source

If you have installed Steam to a custom location, just be sure to unzip the map pack to the counter-strike source directory and you should be all set. That will drop all of the maps and textures into the correct folders.

If you have questions about getting the maps installed, ask around and we'll be happy to help!

Steam Store

The Steam Store is a tool that allows you to chat with friends, get and play games, as well as a method for you to easily keep your games up to date. Any game in your Steam library is stored online, so with any luck and a remembered Steam account ID, you'll be able to retrieve any game that you purchased and registered down-loadable from the Steam across the internet.

Most of the games we have been playing have been variants of the Steam Source engine (Half-Life 2 or Counter-Strike: Source), so we highly recommend this if you want to join in with us for a game night.

The Steam Store client is free for download and install, but the games will cost you some, although we try to keep costs to a minimum. See our Core Games section for more details.

Teamspeak 3

Teamspeak 3 is a tool that allows you to talk to the people you are gaming with across the internet. We use it for communicating with each other while in game. The server and client are both freely available, and all you need outside of that is a computer, speaker and a microphone. Ideally a headset is preferred to cut down on echo and background noise.

Half the fun of gaming online is hearing that evil giggle or disgusted groan, so we highly recommend this if you decide to join in.