Valve Forbids Coaches From Helping Out During Pro Counter-Strike Matches

As time has passed, coaches have become increasingly invaluable parts of pro Counter-Strike teams. During matches, some keep track of strategies, monitor the in-game economy, and call plays. Valve has decided this doesn’t gel with their goals for Counter-Strike.

In a move that took many by surprise, Valve has banned coaches from communicating with players all throughout matches. Now they can only pull the strings on their team or dispense fatherly advice in the form of a rousing, misty-eyed speech during warm-up, half-time, or one of four 30 second timeouts.

In a blog post, Valve explained their decision:

“With unrestricted communication with their players, coaches can currently function as a sixth player, and not solely as a source of guidance or training. Activities such as keeping track of the economy, calling plays, and general situational awareness are important components of CS gameplay. If a person is performing these actions, we consider them a player.”

“Since the goal of our events is to identify the best five-player CS teams that exhibit the best combination of all CS skills, the current participation of coaches in the game is not compatible with that goal.”

Contrary to some players’ claims, Valve added that they have communicated that goal to teams in the past, and that they believe coaches are better suited for things like preparation, support, and opponent study. Despite this, Valve claims that top teams began clamoring for more coach access during matches. “On August 8th an event organiser forwarded us an email from a coach, representing some top teams, stating that the status-quo was no longer acceptable and that they insisted on more in-game access for coaches during their events,” Valve wrote.

Many Counter-Strike pros and coaches are not pleased with the decision, to put it lightly. Reason being, people felt like hands-on coaching helped take pro CSGO to such a high level and made it extra exciting to watch. Valve, some fear, just unceremoniously yanked pro-level play back down to the domain of mere mortals. Some players, gathered by Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, are meeting to discuss the changes and figure how best to react to them.

We need the publisher to work within the community for what we want and need. Stop wasting time for god sake

— Gabriel FalleN T. (@FalleNCS) August 17, 2016

Players position should be simple: player union demand coach to stay as it is. You rather adapt or change all teams. But we are weak. Dream.

— Gabriel FalleN T. (@FalleNCS) August 17, 2016

There’s also been talk of tournament boycotts and things of the like from other top players. Right now, though, the dust is still settling, and nothing is set in stone.

It’s also worth noting that this rule change only applies to Valve-sponsored Counter-Strike events. Other event organisers can do whatever the hell they want. That said, Valve’s got the majors and other big paydays pretty much locked down, so teams don’t have a whole lot of wiggle room here.

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