Interlopers, a popular Source mapping hub, is about to initiate their 44th "map battle." Map battles in general are purely visual, where the entries are images of maps, and not fully designed maps all based on a single theme. Image editing is not allowed.

This time they're giving a "heads-up" to those interested and are allowing team-based entries. Be sure to get acquainted with the rules, and find your team mate(s) before May 6th when the theme will be announced and the competition will begin. Teams are optional; you may go it alone.

There are usually not any major prizes announced, except bragging rights, and one can expect to get plenty of feedback for an entry, first time or not.

Read all about it here.

Valve just recently launched a new site update which includes a lot of snazzy new images and text describing their studio and work. Plenty to read about and look up, including a page listing their publications for download.

In other news, Valve recently moved to a larger studio disbanding their original 38,000 sq.ft. (~3,530 sq.m) studio for a new one down the road that's almost three times larger. A video showcasing their old to new transition can be found here. Courtesy of Game Informer Magazine. Makes you want to work their eh?

Considering also the New Steam beta skin (more like a re-designed UI) AND their winning The Escapist's 2010 Developer Showdown, this must be the year of the Valve: "Your talents will be recognized and suitably rewarded."