Doing the right thing, right form the start

[Magic Toast]

I have been playing video games since I was like 6 years old. From the good old days of the Atari 2600. Ever since I have been modeling the way I play video games according to what I believe is right or wrong, from what I have learned from my life's experiences. Should I Select the character i like the most so I can finish the game faster, Should I take this approach, what are my options here, should I kill or not this character so I get the better ending? Even the option to PAUSE the game helps me rethink all my strategies. All these have been always my considerations when playing a game. A single player game that is. All this have worked out for me so far, until I experienced my first Online team playing assignment, in Team Fortress 2. Selecting the character I like the most? Forget it. Killing an specific enemy over and over because is annoying me all the time? Forget it. Heck, even pausing the game to rethink my options? Yeah forget that too. How many times I have found myself upset because time is running out and the freaking cart is so far away from the cap point? I don't remember. But I do remember this. I remember one time when there were no medics in my team and people start changing classes so the TEAM could win. I remember watching 2 or 3 engineers helping each other so the sentry guns are build faster. Now it turns out that from a video game experience, I can improve my own by taking all this team work philosophy and apply it in every single aspect of my life. The most important lesson I can take I think of is as I watch now how many players does my team have and witch classes are selected right from the start, so I can decide which class is best for the team, I could do the same at my office or in my household and think, what is the right thing to do, right from the start?

 

[midget31394]

I like this post very much, and I never really learned how to work in team, until I played TF2. now i dont mind changing to my worst class if the team needs it, heck they might complain but at least im trying for the team.

~midg
<3s teamwork.

 

[Motorcycle Sidecar]

Great post, i agree with you 100%. I have my fav classes, but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do what needs to be done and help the team out.

 

[Deac]

Yup I'd much rather being killing but if the team needs a medic or engy well then I usually end up changing classes to help out.

 

[Mr. Dogma]

I make class switches for the team too, but it tends to be pretty standard. Need more help guarding the point/payload/intel? I'll probably go Engi, sniper, or defensive spy (which to me is a lot of fun). Need help pushing, I might stay pyro, but if it looks like the team really needs the uber, I'll go medic. Need someone to just run in and cause as much chaos as possible before dying? I again, probably stay pyro, but might go spy or scout. Nothing lets a team steamroll defense like a spy sapping everything beforehand. There are some classes I shy away from because I'm bad with them and it's not helping the team to the fullest if I can't play at my fullest (which sounds like me wanting to stick to my main class, which is only partially true). But I mean, if we need to destroy sentries I'd rather go spy or medic than demoman. I can't play demo to save my life and it's kind of a waste if a medic uses an uber on me when there might be someone more skilled who can do it. So that's part of what I look at too when I'm gonna switch.

 

[Caval1er]

I tend to choose classes based on how much I can help the team also, but that usually tends to be sniper considering its my best class. I'll switch to demo/spy/medic/engi though when I feel its necessary or the map doesn't favor snipers.

 

[koolaid]

just switch classses where people dont want to be so u could help the team i think it helps

 

[Magic Toast]

Thanks guys for your time to read this and for your replies. Really appreciated.

 

[Jugg]

i am with you man...if i am on a team who is just not moving forward with capping points...or defense.. or whatever...i am glad to change to medic...in fact..i love going medic...lol just ask Iceman...we usually pwn anything that walks...so if you guys ever need a medic let me know...i am glad to help

 

[Cartman1102]

I was playing some dramatic music when I read this post. It was nothing short of epic.

 

[J-Bizzle]

I really like this post, Alex Duckworth, and admire that you've actually tried to turn your video game experience into one which you can learn from and apply to your "real life." Seriously, I've always drawn a line between video games and my "real life" and your post really made me realize that the two can't (and shouldn't?) really be separated.

-June

 

[shaly]

People playing as a team is what i love about this game. While personally i love playing full support in all games I know that its not everyone's cup of tea. And that's why I love seeing people switch to classes based on the needs of the team. And the best part about all of it, is that it happens way more often than not.

 

[Shadow[L.O.S]]

Great post, i agree with you 100%. I have my fav classes, but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do what needs to be done and help the team out.

Yeah, i agree man

 

[Rellik]

+1

 

[.[BORN]2kill]

I switch classes multiple times a game to help "turn the tide", especially if we are getting owned. This game would be nothing if everybody acted like a cowboy and did his / her own thing. The teamwork is what makes the game so appealing and fun.

Kudos to the OP and of course Valve for "getting it".

--born

 

[TheZaw]

When i wasn't in Ego clan and playing on turbine server, there were 2-3 new people (can't remember the exact number) that were all engineers. They made the classic mistake of putting all their sentries next to each other, and trying to fight off ubers with their pistols when other sentries are being destroyed. I switched to engineer and told ask them if i could give them a few tips to be a good engineer (Some people just want to play the game, and have huge egos). They all said yes and so i basicly began reciting all the tips on EvilDaedalauses video on how to be engineer. (An amazing video if you haven't watched it). They followed my advice and started helping eachother keep their sentries alive and kicking (or shooting really) and we went on to win the match (mostly because we had 4 sentries gaurding the intel and a very good scout doing the cap's.)

My favorite classes are spy and soldier, and rarely demoman. If my team needs more offense i switch to spy, if there are too many spychecking pyros i switch to soldier. I always lend a helping hand to any who need it in any situation because in TF2, even one or two kills from can make a difference in the game.



Sorry for long post, no need to read it all.

 

[pimpinabox]

im going to agree with the general concensus. but sometimes i get upset when we need more of a class (namely spies) and no ones willing to switch but me. most of the time it doesnt happen though, especially on ego servers. the thing about spies is im probably the worst spy ever(in the history of the entire cosmos). if you see me as a spy, then the team is in dire need to break through sentries, please offer to take over being spy if you see me as one .. for the sake of everyone. lol

 

[Captain Kraken]

Up with this 100%. Teamwork is vital in every aspect, everywhere, every day.

Though, as for switching classes it's a matter of paying attention. If we need another of a certain class, I will gladly switch. However, I am usually not going to notice our class roter as I am playing.

If you see me out on the field, and we need more of a certain class, don't be afraid to let me know, and I'll swap at the next oppurtunity.