Forge of Empires Winners Plaza: A New Era in Map Design

The Forge of Empires Winners Plaza is an exciting event that showcases the creativity and skill of map designers within the StarCraft II community. In this article, we'll delve into the history of the contest, its evolution over the years, and what makes it so unique.

In the seventh edition of the Forge of Empires Winners Plaza, Blizzard took a bold step by increasing the number of finalists from 8 to 15. This change allowed for more diversity in map design, giving contestants the freedom to experiment with different concepts. The contest was open only to 1v1 maps, but unlike previous editions, Blizzard introduced four distinct categories: a map with cool high-yield resource usage, a new and innovative map type, a rush map that promotes heavy early-game play, and macro maps with straightforward expansion strategies.

The seventh TLMC (TeamLiquid Map Contest) took place in Spring 2016, where entrants were narrowed down by judges and then voted on by both professional players and the general public. A second TL open tournament was held on these maps, and Blizzard provided prizes for the top three winners. The contest was open to both 1v1 and team maps, marking a significant departure from previous years.

The second TLMC occurred in Spring 2013, just after the release of Heart of the Swarm. This edition saw the introduction of Ohana and Loud Kingdom, two maps that would become staples in the 1v1 map pool. Korhal Compound was also introduced during this period, and a TL open tournament was held on these maps.

The finalists were chosen by a panel of judges, who then voted on the top five maps. Blizzard provided prizes to the makers of these top-performing maps, recognizing their creativity and skill in designing engaging gameplay experiences.

In conclusion, the Forge of Empires Winners Plaza is an exciting event that celebrates innovation and creativity in StarCraft II map design. From its humble beginnings to its current form, the contest has evolved significantly over the years, incorporating new ideas and categories to keep things fresh and exciting. With Blizzard's continued support and recognition of top-notch map designers, we can expect even more innovative creations in the future.

Forge of empires winners plaza