Season 7 Ladder Map Update

  Season 7 Ladder Map Update

                    Starting with Season 4, we began experimenting with prioritizing tournament-style maps on the StarCraft II ladder. Then in Season 6 we gave player-created maps the spotlight. Now, in Season 7, GSL tournament maps take the stage.
We ran a poll that allowed players from every region to vote on two GSL tournament maps to join the official ladder, as well as a poll to determine which map would be retired from the pool. The voting was close, but in the end three maps emerged victorious from the fray, while one will finally retire.
Season 7, which begins in the week of April 9, brings with it the following changes to the existing map pool -- though you can prepare for the new maps before the season starts by playing them as Custom Games:
Map being removed:
(4) The Shattered Temple
The poll results were clear: the time has come to retire The Shattered Temple from the official ladder.
Maps being added:

(2) Daybreak LE

 

 (4) Metropolis LE

(2) Ohana LE

By IronmanSC and the other members of the ESV Mapmaking Team
Thank you all for helping us shape the Season 7 ladder by participating in these groundbreaking polls. We will continue to mix up the map lineup on the StarCraft II ladder to keep things fresh, and we’ll also maintain our focus on tournament-viable maps to ensure the fiercest competition. Maps that don’t make the cut will be replaced by maps that meet the standards set by major tournaments all around the globe.
See you on the ladder!

Season 6 Lock Incoming
         Season 6 Lock
What does this mean for you? During the Season 6 lock, you can no longer be promoted or demoted out of your current league or division, and your bonus pool will stop growing. Once locked to a league and division, you'll still be able to play out your remaining bonus pool and compete for standing within your division until the end of the season, so it's a great time to enjoy yourself and maybe even push for a better milestone. If you're pursuing a league promotion, then you still have a little time left! The Season 6 lock will go into effect on Wednesday, April 4, 05:30 CEST.
Please note that the hidden ratings used to determine promotions and demotions will continue to update during the Season 6 lock and be used for matchmaking purposes. This means that if you play significantly better or worse than your assigned league at the time of the lock, your league may change when Season 7 begins and you play your first placement match. If you go on a winning streak during the lock, for example, you may end up promoted next season. On the other hand, if you happen to lose a lot more than usual, then you could end up demoted. The bottom line is that your games during the lock still count!
Season 7 Start Date
The Season 6 lock also means that Season 7 is right around the corner. During the week of April 9, Season 6 will end and Season 7 will begin. Season milestone rewards will be locked in at this time, and bonus pools will reset. Hidden skill ratings used for matchmaking and league placement will carry over from the previous season, so if you've completed placement matches in a previous season you will only need to play one new placement match after Season 7 starts.