What constitutes as skill to you?

[(LSAP)Duke Nukem]

Would anyone consider map memorization as a skill? Or just something that goes with time spent on the map?

[MrBlah]

Anyone can memorize something if they use it often enough.

The ability to bring more cowbell to the fight. That is skill.

[<eVa>Verman]

....The ability to bring more cowbell to the fight...

That can never be overlooked.

Shifty's comment: "The ability to enjoy the game your playing, and add to the enjoyment of others around you."
Is a good one.

[NoahTheBoa]

Really skilled players can turn the tide of a match. Maj. Ghob and Spaceman Spiff are both good at this. It's about more than just being good, but also about communicating and organizing your team.

[Boss Llama]

Would anyone consider map memorization as a skill? Or just something that goes with time spent on the map?

In my view, memorizing a map isn't skill, it's knowledge. Using map knowledge tactically, however, could be a form of skill, as could be the formation of effective strategies.

Skill in an FPS, in my book, is information applied to action.

[(LSAP)Duke Nukem]

Would anyone consider map memorization as a skill? Or just something that goes with time spent on the map?

In my view, memorizing a map isn't skill, it's knowledge. Using map knowledge tactically, however, could be a form of skill, as could be the formation of effective strategies.

Skill in an FPS, in my book, is information applied to action.

Hah, that sounds like something I'd see in a fortune cookie but very true nonetheless with a tiny bit of reflexes added in there for those awesome reflects

[Zork Nemesis]

I always looked at my skill as being adept in almost any situation. If anyone's seen me recently, you'd probably think i'm just a pyro (been farming Strange Backburner kills), but check my stats page, I have 75 different logged methods of killing people at the moment, with my top 5 belonging to 5 different classes (Persian Persuader, Backburner, Direct Hit, Engy Shotgun, Tomislav) with more than 300 kills each. 30 different daily awards, though most in the odd categories (taunt kills, obscure weapons such as the Maul and Big Kill). The fact that I can pick up nearly any loadout and perform well is what I deem a skill. While some are better than others, I can do almost anything if you let me.

That said, having a general adaptability like that often means i'm outclassed by people who devote themself to one or two specific classes. I don't have those mad evasion skills many scouts have, I can't usually win a sniper vs sniper confrontation, my healing isn't as prioritized as can be, etc. I'll fill whatever roll you need, but don't expect the best out of me since i've got too much diversity in my playstyle.

Also, I think this thread should be in the TF2 section, since it seems like we're talking about TF2 skills rather than real life skills. Nunchuck skills.....bow-staff skills.....computer hacking skills......

Would owning an extremely limited promo item be considered a skill? Cause to the best of my knowledge there's only 317 Genuine Mauls out there and I have one.

[Clay Pigeon]

I think of skill as helping your team.

I don't think of skill as going PEW PEW with your laser, but it still is fun.

/the laser needs more of a pew pew noise

[(LSAP)Duke Nukem]

I always looked at my skill as being adept in almost any situation. If anyone's seen me recently, you'd probably think i'm just a pyro (been farming Strange Backburner kills), but check my stats page, I have 75 different logged methods of killing people at the moment, with my top 5 belonging to 5 different classes (Persian Persuader, Backburner, Direct Hit, Engy Shotgun, Tomislav) with more than 300 kills each. 30 different daily awards, though most in the odd categories (taunt kills, obscure weapons such as the Maul and Big Kill). The fact that I can pick up nearly any loadout and perform well is what I deem a skill. While some are better than others, I can do almost anything if you let me.

That said, having a general adaptability like that often means i'm outclassed by people who devote themself to one or two specific classes. I don't have those mad evasion skills many scouts have, I can't usually win a sniper vs sniper confrontation, my healing isn't as prioritized as can be, etc. I'll fill whatever roll you need, but don't expect the best out of me since i've got too much diversity in my playstyle.

Also, I think this thread should be in the TF2 section, since it seems like we're talking about TF2 skills rather than real life skills. Nunchuck skills.....bow-staff skills.....computer hacking skills......

Would owning an extremely limited promo item be considered a skill? Cause to the best of my knowledge there's only 317 Genuine Mauls out there and I have one.

I was thinking it would be moved or somewhat, but the general idea runs across many FPSs. Diversity is good yeah, if you can be good with any loadout (not necessarily steam rolling, but good) that would be skillful for me. Adaptability and mixing it up are always points in my book

[Buzzy Beetle]

Skill:
The ability to understand and react accordingly at all times to what is going on in-game + being able to make your opponents go 'splodyboom.

Now, do that and enjoy the players around you... and you've got it made!

[NeanderDude]

Would anyone consider map memorization as a skill? Or just something that goes with time spent on the map?

That kind of gets into a discussion of experience vs. skills. Experience is knowing where that heavy with the brass beast likes to park, where engies like to drop level 3 sentries or where that sneaky sniper likes to hide. Skill, however, is being able to get that guy out of there.

All of my kids can play the piano, and all do it well enough to not embarrass themselves if they have to play publicly. However, one of them took to the piano like a duck to water...it's like the piano became a natural extension of him. I think it's almost like that for the really good players I've encountered...their playing just seems to be a natural extension. To drop a name, just watching how somedude so effortlessly air blasts rockets or ubered heavies around is a joy to watch (even more so if I'm on the same team).

Some people just have a natural bent towards situational awareness and hand-eye coordination. They learn FPS-type games easily and can seem to be everywhere at once on the map laying the hurt on the other team. Others have to play for a long time to get to where they hopefully are more of a help to their team than a hindrance.

[jem_7vwh]

To me it's being able to either shut down or keep up with the opposing teams good players:

If Avar goes Demo I''m gonna counter with my defensive demo play.
If Matt is Medic, then I will try and pounce on him as Solly.
if there is a spy I'm going Pyro and spy checking..I'm looking at you levi and paul and brother.
If Zookie is in and we have no heavy, Counter it with Heavy.

Warpath people get the point

[BisonJerk]

I look at skill for myself as (TF2 specific):

1) positive or better KpD ratio (when not primarily playing medic)
2) amount of objective progress (capping/defending points, pushing/defending carts)
3) amount of assists (given more value when medic)
4) amount of Equipment Destruction
5) amount of support actions (healing, teleports, extinguishes, jarates)
6) amount of dominations/nemeses

Class specific:
Medic: 3.5) Ubers
Sniper: 1.5) Headshots
Spy: 2.5) Equipment Sapping

[(LSAP)Duke Nukem]

To me it's being able to either shut down or keep up with the opposing teams good players:

If Avar goes Demo I''m gonna counter with my defensive demo play.
If Matt is Medic, then I will try and pounce on him as Solly.
if there is a spy I'm going Pyro and spy checking..I'm looking at you levi and paul and brother.
If Zookie is in and we have no heavy, Counter it with Heavy.

Warpath people get the point

If Avar is demo I try very hard not to die, much less score anything on the opposing team.

Don't think I've had the pleasure of having Zookie on the opposing team however

Keeping up with good players is always a challenge and always fun when you beat them, like outsniping Agro or being a spy and dominating him. JUICY SUCCESS!

[TTHREAZ]

I like using my Sandman against Zookie and rushing her head on. 110HP vs 300HP, baby!