To get some terminology out of the way before diving into this subject, there is a difference between a global map pack and a global map pool. A pool of maps means not all maps have to be played during a match, while a pack of maps is already predetermined for a set of matches/tournaments. So this topic is related to whether a global map pool is needed in competitive Trackmania.



Here are a few reasons why the lack of a global map pool is debilitating for the scene:



`Imbalanced ratio between learning maps and playing official matches`

The frequent map rotations give maps a very limited reusability. The amount of time and skill required for a map to be built and trained compared to the number of matchdays, that use the map, is quite worrying.



`Impossibility of overriding the schedule of multiple long-term tournaments`

Most of the long-term tournaments are team-based and with high attendance numbers. If one would override the schedule of a solo tournament onto a team-based tournament, using a different map pool, most probably players would have to choose between these two. A global map pool could give the opportunity to players to participate in both tournaments.



`Lack of competitive activity during the week`

As a generalized overview, on a week’s schedule for an average player, it looks like this: from Monday until Saturday training and practicing for Sunday. I don’t think there’s any explanation needed as to why this is not a good approach.



`A barrier for new initiatives to take part in organizing`

Because of the ever ongoing activity, in regards to the competitive calendar, if a new organizer tries to compete with an already established and notable organizer, they would have to give compelling reasons to players to either allocate more time or prioritize the new tournament. There’s this concept of competition between tournament organizers, that might arise any moment. New competitions can’t join, unless they have the resources. And if they have the resources, an already notable tournament could potentially become obsolete.



`The skill of learning maps quick is a critical requirement`

I think I can make myself as an example here and I’m more than sure, that others can relate to this. I’m playing tech only maps since 2007. This is what I have always enjoyed and at what I’ve always tried to improve at. But my downside is that, even though I have years of experience, I learn maps very slow. And with the current climate, this makes me unfit to participate in almost any tournaments, because one week for me to learn a map properly is not enough.



A global map pool can be implemented in several ways and there are solutions, so that they can fit most of the organizers’ interests. What do you think the disadvantages are to having a global map pool? Do you think they outweigh the advantages?

Vote here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/134g2O_q01owpE3OUjFgkEdE3zLavI8qn8SNDPUQxzUY

– Erwin

