Mapcore is now holding a Counter-Strike 2 Mapping Contest for original 5v5 bomb defusal maps AND hostage-rescue maps, powered by FACEIT!
How to Enter the Big Adventures Mapping Contest
Post a "Work In Progress" thread in Mapcore’s Official Event Forum!
When you're ready, update your WIP thread with a link to your playable map's Steam Workshop page.
Your thread + playable map constitutes your entry to this contest!
Contest Format
Our contest will consist of three stages, each designed to showcase the best of mapping talent from around the world:
Stage 1: The Open Stage
Duration: 4 Months Submission Deadline: Your playable map must be entered by 4th August 2024 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Announcement Date for the maps proceeding to stage 2: 18 August 2024
During this stage, the floodgates are wide open to everyone, inviting all mapmakers to submit their levels. Each map is given the chance of one one-week slot on the FACEIT hubs, secured on a first-come, first-served basis. Over the course of 4 months, we'll explore the diverse landscapes of creativity, seeking maps that not only thrill but take players on Big Adventures!
Selection Criteria (100 Points):
50 points: Fun Factor (Map Design) 50 points: Originality
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Stage 2: The Refinement Stage
Duration: 6 Months Submission Deadline: Your playable map must be entered by 9th February 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). Announcement Date for the 10 maps proceeding to the final stage: 23 February 2025
In the Refinement Stage, the chosen maps from the Open Stage embark on a journey of iteration and enhancement. Armed with community feedback, mapmakers will art and polish their levels, pushing them towards the best possible version of final judging. The remaining maps will rotate on the Mapcore FACEIT hubs, allowing players to experience and provide feedback firsthand
Criteria for Advancement (100 Points):
25 points: Fun Factor (Map Design) 25 points: Originality 25 points: Visual Presentation 25 points: Overall Polish
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Stage 3: The Grand Finale
Duration: 8 Weeks Submission Deadline: Your playable map must be submitted by 20th April 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). The top 4 maps and Grand Prize Winner will be declared on 4th May 2025 to claim their place in the spotlight. These maps will be showcased in exclusive Mapcore FACEIT tournaments.
In the Grand Finale, the top 10 finalists emerge, ready to vie for the ultimate prize. These mapmakers will incorporate final community feedback, refining their creations to perfection.
Final Evaluation (100 Points):
25 points: Fun Factor (Map Design) 25 points: Originality 25 points: Visual Presentation 25 points: Overall Polish
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Judging Procedure
Mapcore Judges
Mapcore's veteran judges, renowned for their expertise in map design, will be joined by esteemed CS2 Guest Experts, including the likes of Launders, Anders Blume, and Mauisnake! Your creations will be evaluated by the best in the business, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment.
Mapcore Judges
FMPONE -- @FMPONE TopHattWaffle -- @TopHattWaffle Helder Pinto -- @HelderHP
Guest Experts
Anders Blume -- @OnFireAnders Daniel "DDK" Kapadia -- @ddkesports fl0m -- @fl0m James Bardolph -- @jamesbardolph Launders -- @launders Mauisnake -- @Mauisnake Scrawny -- @ScrawnyCG
Contest Prizes
Top 4 Contest Maps receive:
Eternal Bragging Rights
A Spotlight on Mapcore (linking to each work in progress thread)
A Monetary Prizepool of $15,000 ($7,500 for First place; $4,500 for Second place; $2,000 for Third place; $1,000 for Fourth place)
Special Valve prizes! (Counter-Strike/Valve merchandise, courtesy of Valve Software)
Key Dates Stage 1 Deadline submission: 4 Aug 24 Stage 1 Announcement winners: 18 Aug 24
Stage 2 Deadline submission: 09 Feb 25 Stage 2 Announcement winners: 23 Feb 25
Stage 3 Deadline submission: 20 Apr 25 Stage 3 Announcement winners: 04 May 25
Contest Rules
- Entry into this Contest is free of charge for all.
- Your entry must be a playable map for the PC version of Counter-Strike 2.
- Remakes (maps of the same name and mostly identical design of an existing map released for public download) can NOT be entered. An entrant’s own prior ideas or concepts may be improved upon for this contest if their entry is, on the whole, new and uses a new name. Remember that originality is a valued metric in our judging.
- No explicitly named sequels to an existing Valve map (e.g. “Dust3”).
- Maps that were under creation prior to the announcement of this Contest can be entered, except for any map which was released for public download on the Steam Workshop.
- Map entries must be submitted to the CS2 Steam Workshop AND our Mapcore Contest sub-forum before the deadline.
- By submitting content in the forum you agree with any of the content and map-material being used for promotional purposes.
- Map authors are free to share their map on any other websites or services they wish, however the map must remain free to download.
- Multiple map entries are permitted, however each entry will be judged for its own particular quality.
- Map entries created by teams are permitted, however entrants will have to agree how to split any prizes awarded prior to prize claim and dispatch. Prize payments will be made to one (1) designated individual per project.
- Mapcore encourages entrants NOT to update their Workshop map after the deadline(s). Entries will not be disqualified if updated, but entrants assume the risk of introducing bugs/glitches into their work. Judges will not be asked to overlook such bugs/glitches, so we recommend "finalizing" a polished version of your project before the deadline in order to “put your best foot forward”.
- You must retain the same workshop ID for any of your entries throughout the contest. Any technical reason for changing workshop ID must be run past the mapcore admin team or face disqualification.
- You should also include the following code in your workshop description: [Blocked Image: https://i.imgur.com/60HRCdw.png]
- Mapcore forum rules must be obeyed.
- All custom textures, models, etc. must be embedded into the map's VPK file. All assets must also comply with Steam Workshop guidelines.
- Map authors must ensure they are able to accept payment via bank transfer from ESL FACEIT Group, a UK based organisation, in accordance with local and international laws. Winners of hardware or physical products will be required to provide a valid shipping address.
- Judges, Experts, and individuals associated with organizing this contest CANNOT enter, nor provide material assistance to map entrants.
- In the event of a conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest during the judging phase, said judge(s) will recuse themselves from the judgment of any relevant entry and a replacement judge will be selected from our group of Guest Experts, or an outside qualified judge will be selected if necessary.
- If any finalist entry is disqualified due to violation of one of these rules, all applicable winnings will be directed to the next highest-rated map.
- Void where prohibited.
Contest Eligibility
1. Participant eligibility: This Contest is open to any individual, or teams of individuals, provided they comply with the following:
Participants must not be an Official Staff Member or Employee of the “Organizer” (Mapcore) or “Sponsor” (FACEIT). Participants must not have taken part in the judging, or official announcement of this Contest. [/list] 2. Legal Age: This Contest is open to any individuals who meet the above “participant eligibility” criteria. In the event that a participant who has not reached the legal age in his/her state wins one or more prizes, he/she must provide contact details for the legal guardian who will claim the prize(s).
Prize Disclaimer
FACEIT will be providing Prize revenue. Mapcore assumes no responsibility.
THANK YOU to our AMAZING COMMUNITY!
And to our INCREDIBLE Sponsor:
