I have been wondering recently what makes a competitive game; what are the features it requires or what are it's attributes? We have seen the criticism that Quake Live gets over a lack of certain commands - but what commands are essential...and why?

Dedicated servers is obviously a big one. Makes some elements so much easier (such as standardising rulesets, etc). Server restarts so that all players can join (a problem with a game such as Modern Warfare 2 in that the game starts once the host is in...)

People seem to be 50-50 on other elements such as hitbeeps.

So, ESReality users, what do you consider to be important parts of a competitive game? From the fundamental or must-have features to the important to the 'just nice if they are there'...