Riot Games reveal: Why future Valorant maps will be similar to Icebox

The release of the new Valorant map was one of the most anticipated and long-awaited additions to the game since its launch. But despite it being the only map released post-launch, it has been hotly debated and hasn’t exactly received a warm welcome from the community. In spite of this, Riot Games lead map developer Joe Ziegler has stated that future Valorant map designs will reflect Icebox’s core structure.

Valorant Icebox Map Release

The Icebox map sparked a lot of controversy when it was released on October 27 with the latest 1.11 Patch. The Valorant community on all social media platforms is divided in their opinions of the map, with some openly referring to it as the «worst map ever in an FPS» while others seem to love it.

The Valorant Icebox map contrasts with the other maps by being the only one set in a winter location. Despite the controversy surrounding it, Joe Zeigler has announced that more Icebox-styled locations will be coming in the future.

Recent Developer Diaries reveal more details about the future Valorant maps

During the conversation, Joe Ziegler openly discusses the community’s controversial reaction and clarifies that Riot’s vision with every new map is to «bring meaningful new changes that ask you to think about how you approach the space. Our four original maps were designed to introduce you to the complexities of Valorant, especially with so much unique agent utility to play against.»

Joe Ziegler has confirmed that future Valorant maps will reflect Icebox’s core structure

He goes on to clarify that «moving forward I hope you can see how we’ll continue challenging the basic concepts of map design in order to promote more diverse, strategic play.» He mentioned the latest Valorant map as an example because of the complexity of its design.

Icebox’s complex layout is designed to promote more strategic gameplay and improve player strategies by executing tactical kills. Whether we like it or not, Riot Games will continue using it as the foundation for any future map layouts and improve upon it.