Introducing the OSC Expanded Tournament Map Pool
Having a variety and timely rotation of maps was something brought up a lot by the community in 2021. We hear you, and do agree that rotation of maps can lead to new +/or a variety of strategies, give the sport a more seasonal feel, remove repetitive textures/player+viewer visual burnout, and show off the amazing talents of map makers.
After further thought and consultation, we are happy to announce that from April 2022 we will be expanding the approved tournament map pool to an additional 3 maps!
This will be comprised of the Current Season 9 Ladder Map Pool + 3 maps publicly available for use from recent WardiTV Team Liquid Map Contests.
We explored the idea of working with map makers directly to create a custom map pool, however curently there is not much need for this, given teamliquid, WardiTv and now Shopify already have a great development and trial system in place with the Team Liquid Map Contest + Tournaments. So why reinvent the wheel!?
An additional reason to use the TLMC selections is WOL, HOTS or ‘dreampool’ map selections are very outdated, given how much the game has changed since their creation (eg introduction of new units and abilities that might be too abusive).
The new Expanded Tournament Map Pool is not compulsory, tournament organisers can choose whether to implement or not. We understand there are events which might not run as smoothly or benefit as much from it (low mmr or short weeklies), compared to longer format events with many series featuring players more au fait with past ladder or TLMC maps and veto process (Mid Season Playoffs, King of the Hill).
Players are encouraged to check event bracket information sections or contact an admin for clariftication if you’re unsure if an event is operating the standard ladder or expanded map pool.
How will the maps be decided?
The maps will be voted by OSC partnered tournament organisers, tournament admins + OSC Elite Rewards Club members. Each nominate 3 Maps. Votes are then collectively counted, and the 3 highest polling maps will be confirmed as part of the expanded tournament map pool.
The expanded tournament map pool will change 3 times per year, with map seasons running April-July, August-November + December-March.
We look forward to seeing how this plays out. Might an old favourite like Lightshade, Ice and Chrome, Jagannatha or Nightshade lead the voting? Or could an overlooked or new map that didn’t make it through to the ladder previously/yet be a surprise selection? Will be up to the majority to determine which have potential as a good tournament map.
Eligible Maps: WardiTV Team Liquid Map Contest #10, #9, #8, #7, #6 + #5
Consideration into the sports future years has also been taken into account, where if there is signifcant time between ladder map updates, an option may be to expand this player + organiser voting system to further alter the number of maps voted vs ladder pool used each season.
How will veto’s work with 12 maps?
Tournament Organisers wanting to use the expanded map pool should remove 1 of the 12 approved maps (listed below) at their discretion.
For multi week events, TO’s can alternate the 1 banned map from the 12 ETMP, eg, R1 (No Data-C), R2 (No Moondance), R3 (No Tropical Sacrifice), etc. Players then select and veto from the remaining 9 maps.
If a short time frame event, the remaining 11 should be displayed where easily viewable to players, eg challonge bracket information sections.
For multi week events it should be displayed clearly which map is banned for specific rounds. It is easy for TO’s to edit the round description on challonge, so are encouraged to edit the above there.
Given there will be 11 maps available for the event, players will now gain extra vetoes. (4 each for Bo3’s, 3 each for Bo5’s, 2 each for Bo7’s)
Expanded tournament Map Pool:
April 2024-July 2024: Current Ladder Map Pool + Ancient Cistern, Nightshade + Deathaura
Ancient Cistern
Nightshade
Deathaura
Past Seasons:
December 2023-March 2024: Ladder Maps and Ancient Cistern, 2000 Atmospheres + Gresvan
August-November 2023: Ladder Maps and Cosmic Sapphire, Calliope + Moondance
April 2023-July 2023: Ladder Maps and Jagannatha, Deathaura + Lightshade
December 2022-March 2023: Ladder Maps and 2000 Atmospheres, Romanticide + Ice and Chrome
August-November 2022: Ladder Maps and Eternal Empire, Ever Dream + Nightshade
April-July 2022: Ladder Maps and Ice and Chrome, Moondance + Stargazers