Valve reportedly paid $50,000 for each new 5v5 maps

Valve reportedly paid $50,000 for each new 5v5 maps

rizegeeko

27 May, 2024, 20:26

|

Last updated: 9 Apr, 2025, 21:48

Russian Counter-Strike skin creator Denis "KR1ZER" took to Telegram to reveal details about Valve's compensation to community authors for adding maps to the game. According to KR1ZER, only the creators of the Anubis and Tuscan maps received a substantial $150,000 each for their creations. Valve reportedly planned this payout due to their specific plans for these maps, such as integrating Anubis into the competitive rotation in 2022.

Valve's new Mills 5v5 competitive map
Valve's new Mills 5v5 competitive map

How Valve prices community maps

KR1ZER further explained that creators of maps currently earn income based on pre-negotiated daily rates, with the amounts varying depending on how long the maps remain in rotation. While not specifying exact figures, he estimated that creators of 5v5 maps could expect around $50,000. Whereas those for 2v2 maps might receive approximately $20,000. KR1ZER described these figures as speculative, based on his understanding of Valve's payments over recent years.

Valve's approach to compensating map creators reflects its strategy in supporting community-made content while integrating maps into Counter-Strike's gameplay ecosystem. The significant upfront payments for Anubis and Tuscan underscores Valve's recognition of the value these maps bring to the game's competitive scene. KR1ZER's insights offer a rare glimpse into the financial dynamics between Valve and its community contributors, shedding light on how one of gaming's most popular titles supports and rewards its creative community.

Featured Image source: Valve

Read more:

Pool Day Returns to Map Pool in Latest CS2 Update

Potential Matchfixing Scandal Reported by FURIA player

Latest news

Vitality-Falcons Headline IEM Cologne Major 2026 Quarterfinals

Vitality-Falcons Headline IEM Cologne Major 2026 Quarterfinals

What a treat we’re in for. Team Vitality and Team Falcons are on a collision course in the IEM Cologne Major Quarterfinals, for their first-ever clash since the latter signed Finn “karrigan” Andersen. What happens when champion meets superteam? Will history repeat itself? Or will pedigree prevail?
18h
Foo Zen-Wen

G2 vs Spirit at IEM Cologne Major 2026: Match Preview, Predictions, and Livestream Details

G2 Esports takes on Team Spirit in the IEM Cologne Major quarterfinals on June 19. Here's everything to know about the matchup.
18h
Adarsh J. Kumar

Brazilian Justice Condemns Steam, PlayStation, Xbox and Others to Pay USD 50 Million for Loot Boxes

The Federal District Court has condemned Steam, PlayStation, Xbox and other major gaming companies to pay R$ 298 million in collective moral damages related to loot boxes. The ruling also imposes new transparency and protection obligations for children and teenagers, including clear disclosure of probabilities and refunds for purchases made by minors.
16 Jun
André Guaraldo

IEM Cologne Major 2026 Playoffs: Teams, Opening Matches, Bracket, and More

Two weeks ago, 32 teams arrived in Germany for one of the biggest Counter-Strike tournaments of the year—the IEM Cologne Major. After the dust settled on the three stages of intense competition, we got the final 8 teams that will set foot in the LANXESS Arena as one of them lifts the trophy.
16 Jun
Ganesh Jadhav

IEM Cologne Major 2026: The Only Playoffs Pick'Em Challenge Guide You Need

As Stage 3 of the IEM Cologne Major 2026 wraps up, the final eight Counter-Strike teams are locked in for the Lanxess Arena and the last sprint towards the trophy. The Pick’Ems have already punished risky calls and shaky favorites, and with Counter-Strike’s true heavyweights now colliding in a single-elimination bracket, predicting the playoffs only gets harder.
15 Jun
Kaustavmani Choudhury

9z Historic Run Secures IEM Cologne Major 2026 Playoffs

9z are heading to the playoffs of the IEM Cologne Major 2026. The Argentine squad closed out Stage 3 with a 3-2 record on June 15, sending The MongolZ home in the process. It is a result that stings for the Mongolian roster and sparks something real for South American CS2.
15 Jun
Thales Costa

FURIA and Team Spirit Head to Playoffs After Flawless 3-0 Runs at the IEM Cologne Major 2026

The IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage 3 has its first two playoff-bound teams. FURIA Esports and Team Spirit both closed out a perfect 3-0 record, securing their spots in the knockout stage before anyone else. Two very different roads, but the same destination.
13 Jun
Thales Costa

Comments (0)

Log in to comment on this match