Professional matches in CS2 are now significantly shorter than in CS:GO, thanks to the switch from MR15 to MR12. This change has resulted in matches being played in less time, allowing fans to follow more games. According to data provided by Marc Winther, ESL’s head of game ecosystems for Counter-Strike, best-of-ones have been played in one hour instead of one hour and 15 minutes, while best-of-threes have lasted an average of three hours instead of three hours and 30 minutes.
The decision to switch to MR12, which has a maximum of 24 rounds plus overtime instead of the previous 30 rounds, is fulfilling the desires of many fans who have longed for the ability to watch more matches in less time. In the past, CS:GO matches that went through all three maps often lasted longer than entire football, baseball, and NBA matches.
While the reduction in match length is beneficial for fans and tournament organizers, it remains to be seen how MR12 will impact the gameplay itself. Valve has maintained the same economy as CS:GO, despite player criticism. However, with fewer rounds to play, the CT side may face more challenges as their economy becomes more fragile compared to the T side. This could potentially lead to the T side dominating matches if they start off strong, as the CTs will have fewer opportunities to recover and build a solid economy.
The effects of MR12 will become clearer during the upcoming IEM Sydney tournament, which starts on October 15th. This $250,000 event will be the first major tournament played in CS2 and will feature some of the world’s best teams.
CS2 MR12 Map Duration
After analyzing the first week of data, it is evident that map durations in CS2 are shorter compared to previous versions. The average duration of matches has decreased across the four datasets available.
Based on this analysis, adjustments have been made to the schedule of IEM Sydney:
- Best-of-one matches will now last one hour instead of one hour and 15 minutes.
- Best-of-three matches will now last three hours instead of three hours and 30 minutes.
This change allows for a more streamlined viewing experience, enabling fans to watch more matches within a shorter timeframe.
It is important to note that while the reduction in match length is beneficial, the full impact of MR12 on gameplay is yet to be determined. The upcoming IEM Sydney tournament will provide further insights into how this change affects the game.
Source: DOTESPORTS
