When searching through mods for TF2, I came across some confusion.
Creators used the word "skin" to describe a remake of the default skin for objects, including adding sections (see LED Sentry skin).
But "texture" was used to describe a change the lighting/colour or overall texture of the object.
TFMM (Team Fortress Modification Manager) categorizes "skin" and "texture" as 2 different things.
What is the difference between the two terms? Or can they be used interchangeably?
Best Answer
A texture is an image that is loaded onto a 3D object is a game world to make it look like its real world counterpart - be it a barrel, a tent, a tree trunk, whatever. A skin is a "special" texture used on weapons in FPSs as well as for heroes in MOBAs (I believe). Usually acquiring a new skin for a weapon in TF2 requires an achievement of some kind, trading, or unlocking crates. A skin is normally visible to all players, and basically makes your weapon look much cooler than everyone else's. In TF2 (since the Gun Mettle update) you can get many different skins for weapons, which are mostly gained by unlocking crates.
The word "reskin" refers to a new weapon that is functionally indistinguishable from the original but looks different (and often has a different name). Examples are the Postal Pummeler vs Axtinguisher, and the Black Rose vs the Knife.
All skins are textures, but most textures are not skins.