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This is a style guide. It is not an article.
This page provides style and terminology guidelines for articles concerning Tool-Assisted Speedruns (TAS) on this wiki. The goal is to ensure clarity and consistency when discussing this topic.
For a detailed explanation of what a Tool-Assisted Speedrun is, please see the main article: Tool-Assisted Speedrun.
Terminology[edit]
When writing about the subject, using consistent terminology helps readers understand the topic better. Please adhere to the following conventions:
- TAS: The abbreviation for Tool-Assisted Speedrun. On its first use in an article, it's good practice to write it out in full with the abbreviation in parentheses, like so: Tool-Assisted Speedrun (TAS).
- TASing: (pronounced TASS-ing) The verb for the action of creating a TAS.
- Example: "He was TASing the A01 track for over 100 hours."
- TASer: The noun for a person who creates a TAS.
- Example: "The 23.15 A05 TAS was made by a well-known French TASer.
Defining a TAS in Trackmania[edit]
To maintain a clear distinction between different types of runs, it's crucial to correctly identify what is and what is not a TAS.
What is a Tool-Assisted Speedrun?[edit]
The key characteristics are:
- The use of external tools, most notably TMInterface, to control the game on a tick-by-tick basis.
- The resulting run, while superhuman in its inputs, must adhere strictly to the game's standard physics and mechanics. The replay file must be valid for anyone with the base game.
What is not a Tool-Assisted Speedrun?[edit]
Certain methods use tools but do not fall under the definition of a TAS. It is important to distinguish these to avoid confusion.
Tool-Assisted Cheat Speedruns (TACS)[edit]
Some tool-assisted runs use modifications or settings that perform actions impossible under the game's standard physics. These are considered Tool-Assisted Cheat Speedruns (TACS), not legitimate TAS.
- Example: Using the "extended steering" setting, which was available in older versions of TMInterface (pre-v2.1.0). This setting allowed steering inputs beyond the game's normal range, fundamentally breaking the physics limitations. Runs using this are classified as a TACS.
- When writing about such runs, they should be referred to as a TACS. For more information, see the Tool-Assisted Cheat Speedrun page.
RTA with Cheating Tools[edit]
This category includes runs where a human player is playing in real-time (RTA), but using tools to gain an unfair advantage. This is not TASing; it is considered cheating within the RTA community.
- Examples:
- Using DxTweak to limit steering range for better precision.
- Using a slow-motion feature to make difficult sections easier to execute in real-time.
- This is distinct from TASing because the inputs are still being performed by a human in real-time, rather than being programmed. These tools serve to assist a live performance, not construct a pre-programmed run.
- For more on the distinction and rules regarding real-time play, see the RTA page.
Tool-Assisted Freeruns (TAF)[edit]
It is also important not to confuse a TAS with a Tool-Assisted Freerun (TAF). A TAF is a tool-assisted run where the primary goal is not achieving the fastest time, but rather showcasing creative driving, stunts, or complex maneuvers. While it uses the same tools as a TAS, its purpose (style over speed) makes it a distinct category.
Writing Guidelines Summary[edit]
To summarize, when writing about TAS on this wiki:
- Use the terms TAS, TASing, and TASer as defined above.
- Clearly state that a TAS must be possible within the game's standard physics.
- Distinguish a TAS from a Tool-Assisted Cheat Speedrun (TACS), which uses tools to break the game's physics.
- Distinguish a TAS from a Tool-Assisted Freerun (TAF), which focuses on style instead of speed.
- Distinguish a TAS from RTA cheating, where tools are used to assist a human player in real-time.