31-Aug-2024, 01:39 PM
Snap Tap Banned from ESL Pro Tour Tournaments
The ESL (Electronic Sports League) has announced a ban on the use of Snap Tap in their upcoming ESL Pro Tour tournaments for Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). This decision comes after Valve, the developers of CS2, prohibited the use of Snap Tap in their official servers, citing concerns over unfair advantages and the circumvention of core gameplay skills.
What is Snap Tap?
Snap Tap is a feature found in certain keyboards that allows players to use two keys simultaneously without blocking their movement. It enables users to change directions quickly without releasing the previous key, providing a potential advantage in fast-paced games like CS2.
Reasons for the Ban
The ESL and Valve have cited several reasons for banning Snap Tap:
- Reduced skill gap: The feature reduces the skill gap between players by automating certain actions, making it easier for users to perform complex maneuvers.
- Unfair advantage: Snap Tap is only available on a limited number of keyboards, giving an unfair advantage to those who have access to the feature.
- Circumventing core skills: Valve believes that Snap Tap circumvents the core skills required in CS2, such as precise movement and timing.
Impact on Professional Players
The ban on Snap Tap is expected to have a significant impact on professional CS2 players who have been using the feature. At the ESL Pro League Season 19, four players were found using Snap Tap, and the number increased to 39 at IEM Cologne 2024. However, some analysts believe that the ban may not significantly affect the performance of top players, as they have already demonstrated their skills without relying on Snap Tap.
Enforcement and Consequences
The ESL has stated that players suspected of using automation to circumvent the ban may be kicked from their matches. To prevent accidental infractions, in-game binds that include more than one movement or attack action will no longer work.
Conclusion
The ban on Snap Tap by the ESL and Valve is a clear message that the use of automation features that provide unfair advantages will not be tolerated in professional CS2 tournaments. While the decision may impact some players, it ultimately aims to ensure a fair and competitive environment for all participants.
