Lecture Notes on Random Critical Hits in TF2

Introduction

• Randomness in game design enhances excitement.
• PvP games face challenges when introducing randomness.
• Importance of balancing fun and fairness.

Overview of Random Critical Hits (Crits)

• Random crits in TF2 as a long-standing mechanic.
• Described as misleading, confusing, and ridiculous.

Personal Experience

• Speaker has been involved in the TF2 community for over five years.
• Engaged in discussions about the role of random crits across various platforms.

Hypothetical Debate on Random Crits

Argument #1: Feeling Awesome with Random Crits

• Scoring a kill due to random crits feels enjoyable.
• Subjective nature of enjoyment is a key point.
• Imbalance of enjoyment between the player getting critted and the one scoring the crit.
• Negativity Bias: Negative experiences often outweigh positive ones in memory.

Argument #2: Breaking Stalemates

• Early TF2 had fewer maps and played styles.
• Random crits may have been necessary in the original gameplay context.
• Modern TF2 has evolved: better maps and player skills.
• Random crits now seem outdated.

Argument #3: Casual and Silly Nature

• Random crits are viewed as contributing to TF2's casual nature.
• The silliness is largely due to the game's comedic elements and not just mechanics.
• Iconic moments and character interactions define TF2's humor, not random crits.

Argument #4: Helping New Players

• Random crits give new players unexpected kills.
• However, they do not specifically aid in skill development for new players.
• Crits reward poor gameplay habits and undermine learning.
• New players should be encouraged to improve rather than relying on luck.

Argument #5: Weapon Balance Concerns

• Query about weapons being unbalanced without random crits.
• Removal of crits would not significantly affect weapon balance.
• Few weapons would require adjustment to remain competitive.

Argument #6: Melee Weapon Viability

• Crits can invalidate the purpose of melee weapons.
• The chance of one-shotting opponents reduces the value of skilled melee play.

Argument #7: Competitive Play

• Preference for casual mode but acknowledges the value of competitive play.
• Both modes should strive for consistency to aid player transition.

Argument #8: Voting System for Crits

• Suggestion for a voting system to enable/disable crits.
• Speaker doubts this would solve the underlying issues effectively.

Argument #9: Crits in Mann vs. Machine

• No issue with keeping random crits in MvM, as it’s a different mode.
• Positive exchanges in PvE scenarios.

Argument #10: Bullet Spread Considerations

• Random bullet spread vs. fixed damage outputs.
• Consistency in damage encourages skillful play.

Conclusion

• Removing random crits would positively impact TF2.
• Would promote skill development and improve player experience.
• Encouragement for community feedback to Valve regarding random crits.
• Emphasis on addressing the balance between fun and skill in the game.